Prates lands the next Makhachev title shot

The welterweight picture snapped into focus as Carlos Prates confirmed a new deal and assurances he's next for Islam Makhachev, while the Din Thomas saga curdled with Gillian Robertson rejecting his apology as a ratings play. Elsewhere the UFC 332 card filled out in Salt Lake City and Contender Series produced a knockout of the year and six contracts.

Prates signs new eight-fight deal, says he's next for Makhachev

Carlos Prates told The Ariel Helwani Show he signed a new eight-fight UFC contract and was assured by chief business officer Hunter Campbell that he is next in line for Islam Makhachev's welterweight title. Prates (24-7), who has finished all seven of his UFC wins including former champions Jack Della Maddalena and Leon Edwards, expects the bout in December and vowed to knock Makhachev out. Undefeated Michael Morales remains the other contender in the mix, with Prates expecting Morales to be booked elsewhere.

Why it matters: Makhachev wants to fight before Ramadan, and locking in the division's most explosive finisher gives the 170-pound title its first real stylistic threat after Ian Machado Garry's cautious challenge.

Robertson rejects Din Thomas apology as done 'for ratings'

Gillian Robertson broke her silence on the fallout from coach Din Thomas retiring from cornering on the live UFC 330 broadcast after her loss to Mackenzie Dern. In a statement to Ariel Helwani, Robertson said she had no warning and has not responded to Thomas's voice-message apology, citing his private remark to her team that going public 'was more so for TV purposes and ratings.' Thomas had coached her since she was 15, a relationship spanning over 15 years.

Why it matters: What briefly looked like reconciliation is now a burned bridge, leaving a ranked strawweight contender to rebuild her title run without the mentor who guided her entire career.

UFC 332 fills out: Figueiredo-Talbott, Johnny Walker's heavyweight debut

The UFC announced seven bouts for UFC 332 on Oct. 3 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, though the card still lacks a main event. Bantamweight prospect Payton Talbott, back after nearly a year out since beating Henry Cejudo, meets former flyweight champ Deiveson Figueiredo; Johnny Walker debuts at heavyweight against Mick Parkin; and Marvin Vettori returns against Ismail Naurdiev to try to snap a four-fight skid. Rumors point to a Jiri Prochazka vs. Paulo Costa interim light heavyweight title fight headlining while champ Carlos Ulberg recovers from ACL surgery.

Why it matters: The lineup gives Talbott his long-awaited crack at the rankings, but the interim-title chatter for a twice-beaten Prochazka has fans questioning the UFC's belt inflation at 205.

Kaik Brito's brutal walk-off KO caps six-contract Contender Series night

Kaik Brito flattened popular prospect Namo Fazil with an overhand right 12 seconds into the third round in the Contender Series Season 10, Week 2 main event, earning a UFC contract on his second try after a 2023 loss. Dana White handed out six deals from just five fights, including both Roman Puga and losing fighter Taner Trembley after their three-round war. Trent Miller pulled a Von Flue choke on Douglas Rodrigues as a +500 underdog.

Why it matters: Brito (20-6, with finishes in 19 of 20 wins) enters a crowded welterweight division as a proven knockout artist, and White called his finish one of the best in show history.

Chimaev pushes for Strickland rematch as White eyes UFC 333

Khamzat Chimaev publicly prodded Dana White on X — 'What are we waiting for? I want to fight' — pressing for a rematch with middleweight champion Sean Strickland, who dealt him the first loss of his career this year. White said Chimaev is 'always in conversation' and remains under consideration for UFC 333 on Oct. 24 in Abu Dhabi, though that card already carries two title fights. Before any Octagon return, Chimaev faces Tyron Woodley in a Real American Freestyle wrestling match on Sept. 5 in Moscow.

Why it matters: Strickland is still recovering from a shoulder injury and in no hurry, leaving the division's biggest rematch stuck in limbo as Chimaev grows visibly impatient.

Makhachev's GOAT case draws pushback; Rogan floats a lightweight return

With Makhachev now holding the promotion's longest win streak at 17, the GOAT debate drew skeptics. Chris Weidman, Dustin Poirier (who named Jon Jones) and Jorge Masvidal argued he isn't there yet, while Michael Chiesa said he's already passed Georges St-Pierre. Joe Rogan, meanwhile, suggested Makhachev looked less dominant at 170 than at 155 and floated vacating the welterweight belt to return to lightweight — a move complicated by his 191-pound walk-around weight.

Why it matters: The discourse frames Makhachev's real legacy test: whether he keeps steamrolling a bigger, more dangerous welterweight field or retreats to the division he once ruled.

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