A former UFC welterweight champion has shown interest in facing top contender Carlos Prates. Prates is currently riding a three-fight knockout streak and has knocked out former UFC champions Leon Edwards and Jack Della Maddalena in back-to-back fights.

Prates is highly expected to challenge 170-pound titleholder Islam Makhachev next, potentially later this year, or before Feb 2027.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 16: Carlos Prates of Brazil reacts after his victory against Geoff Neal during the UFC 319 event at the United Center on August 16, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC)

Meanwhile, a former champion on a three-fight losing skid has shown interest in fighting the Brazilian knockout artist.

Belal Muhammad wants to fight Carlos Prates: “I think I have a good chin”

During a recent sit-down with BedtimeMMA, Belal Muhammad said that he wants to face Carlos Prates to feel his “one-punch power.” Muhammad believes he has a strong chin and could be a good stylistic matchup for “The Nightmare”. He said:

“[Carlos] Prates has that one-punch power. I literally want to fight Prates just to feel it. I want to get in there, I want to feel what is bothering these guys. Myself, I think I have a good chin… I like watching Prates fight. I like watching his style, just like the energy he brings to fight week. He is just a cool dude.”

In the same interview, “Remember The Name” also admitted he has a lot of work to do before he can think of a potential fight with Prates.

Check out Belal Muhammad’s comments about Carlos Prates below:

Belal Muhammad, on the other hand, has lost three fights in a row, as mentioned before. He lost his welterweight title to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315, before suffering another defeat to Ian Machado Garry at UFC Qatar later that year. This year, he could not return to winning ways against Gabriel Bonfim.

Despite the losses, Muhammad has tried to entertain fans by moving away from his grappling-heavy style and engaging in more stand-up battles.

MONTREAL, QUEBEC – MAY 10: Belal Muhammad reacts after the UFC welterweight championship bout against Jack Della Maddalena during the UFC 315 event at Bell Centre on May 10, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

Subham

Subham is a writer and editor with experience spanning MMA, Health & Fitness, true crime, and pop culture. He has previously worked with Sportskeeda MMA, SK True Crime, and SK Pop, Movies, and Shows.
He currently covers the UFC for LowKickMMA and MMA Pros Picks.