Prates faces Makhachev: a clash where Russian fight art dominates Brazilian striking

Colby Covington, a seasoned MMA analyst, believes Carlos Prates has no chance against Islam Makhachev, the undefeated UFC welterweight champion. According to him, the Russian should dominate this matchup, likely by submission via kimura or choke. An analysis that highlights the Brazilian’s weaknesses, despite his three consecutive wins.

To remember:

Carlos Prates has no chance against Islam Makhachev, according to Colby Covington.
Covington predicts a quick submission by kimura or choke for the Brazilian.
Makhachev, undefeated since 2019, dominates technically with 5 submission wins.
Prates, despite his 3 consecutive wins, remains a pure striker against the Russian’s versatility.

Incredible but true: according to Colby Covington, Carlos Prates simply has no chance against Islam Makhachev in their upcoming UFC showdown. The American, a renowned MMA analyst, doesn’t mince words: for him, this will be the easiest fight of the Russian champion’s career.
Makhachev, undefeated since 2019 and the current welterweight king, boasts an impressive record of 14 wins, including five by submission. This dominance contrasts sharply with Prates, a pure striker ranked first in the Meta UFC rankings. Despite his three consecutive wins, including one over Jack Della Maddalena, the Brazilian sorely lacks versatility against the Russian’s technical mastery.

A Clash of Opposing Styles

For Covington, the matchup is lopsided. On one side, Makhachev, a complete strategist capable of dominating both on the feet and on the ground. On the other, Prates, whose game relies solely on striking power. A stylistic difference that, according to the analyst, will be fatal for the Brazilian.
Makhachev has repeatedly proven his ability to submit opponents, whether by kimura, choke, or other control techniques. A weapon that Prates, limited in wrestling and jiu-jitsu, will be unable to counter. Covington even goes so far as to predict a quick finish, with a submission in under three rounds.

A Brazilian Seeking Legitimacy

Despite his three consecutive wins, Prates remains an underdog against the global elite. His latest victory over Della Maddalena confirmed his status as a serious contender, but the step up to face the champion is too steep. Covington notes that the Brazilian, while talented, lacks the experience and technical diversity needed to compete with Makhachev.
The fight thus looks set to be a display of Russian dominance. If Covington’s predictions hold true, Makhachev could add another submission win to his resume, further cementing his status as a welterweight legend.

With a style as clear-cut as Covington’s predictions, this fight looks like a formality for Makhachev. Unless a miracle happens, the Brazilian won’t be able to compete with the champion’s technical dominance and experience.

Editor's Opinion

By Celtic

Colby Covington is right, it doesn’t take three takedowns to break an octagon. But hey, Prates has heart, you’ve got to admit that. Truth is, this is just a warm-up: a fight to gauge a future top 5 contender, nothing more. Respect to the warriors, always.

Article written by SkimAI
Reviewed and completed by Celtic