"Islam’s Not Afraid": Daniel Cormier Fires Back At Critics Calling Islam Makhachev Scared Of Carlos Prates

Daniel Cormier defends Islam as Carlos Prates fight debate gets heated.© NDTV Photo Library

Daniel Cormier has rejected suggestions that Islam Makhachev is avoiding Carlos Prates. He insists the UFC welterweight champion would be willing to face the Brazilian "anywhere". Makhachev turned down a January title defence, leaving Prates to meet Michael Morales for interim gold at UFC 336 in Toronto on January 30. Prates reacted angrily, accusing Makhachev of “chickening out” after the champion chose to wait until after Ramadan rather than headline the Toronto card. Cormier, a long-time AKA teammate of Makhachev, believes the criticism misses the point. Prates must first deal with Morales before any title shot becomes realistic.

Cormier rejects claims that Makhachev is avoiding Prates

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Daniel Cormier dismissed the idea that Makhachev had become reluctant to fight Prates.

“Islam's not afraid. He's not afraid,” Cormier said. “He'd probably fight Carlos Prates in the Octagon, outside the Octagon, in wrestling. He'd fight him anywhere.”

Cormier acknowledged that people might see his defence as biased because of his relationship with Makhachev. But he argued that the champion's mindset is being misunderstood, pointing to the risks and pressure that come with defending a UFC belt.

“This is gonna be a great fight,” Cormier added, while still stressing that Prates cannot skip the queue. “Prates needs to handle the Morales issue, though. I would encourage him, forget about Islam right now, because you don't get to him unless you get through Morales.”

Dana White reveals Makhachev's u-turn on Prates fight

Islam Makhachev had verbally agreed to defend his title against Prates at UFC 336, according to UFC CEO Dana White. The Dagestani later changed course, saying he would not compete until after Ramadan, which begins in February 2027.

White criticised the delay, saying Makhachev usually fights only once a year and that the promotion could not keep the welterweight division waiting. The UFC responded by booking Prates against unbeaten Michael Morales for the interim championship.

Makhachev defended his decision, arguing that Prates had recently lost to Ian Machado Garry, a fighter he had already beaten. “Let them fight, and we will figure out who's the real challenger,” Makhachev said.

Prates sets sights on Makhachev

Carlos Prates, who holds a 24-7 professional record, said he had already begun preparing for Makhachev when the plans changed. He accused the champion of backing out after a date had been reserved and questioned whether someone unwilling to defend the belt should keep it.

The Brazilian has vowed to beat Morales, claim the interim title and then force a meeting with Makhachev. “Then I'm going to come back and beat Makhachev twice as badly as I was going to before,” Prates said.

Daniel Cormier, however, wants Prates to keep his focus on Morales. A win in Toronto would give the Brazilian interim gold and a direct route to Makhachev later in 2027.