Carlos Prates has made a bold statement after welterweight champion Islam Makhachev decided not to fight him at UFC 336.

Prates (24-7 MMA, 7-1 UFC) was gearing up to challenge Makhachev in January but was disappointed to find out he'll be fighting Michael Morales (19-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) for the interim title instead in the Jan. 30 co-main event at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto (Paramount+).

Makhachev (29-1 MMA, 18-1 UFC) argued that Prates and Morales have to fight since there's no clear-cut contender. Makhachev's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, chimed in by saying that he "fights for passion" and that no fighter, Prates included, adds anything to Makhachev's legacy.

That led to a cold response from the Brazilian.

"If he fights for passion, he would fight the number 1 contender in January. I will not add anything on his legacy, I will finish his legacy brother, and also, he will make me look great. Mark my words ✍🏾."

Makhachev broke the record for most consecutive UFC wins at 17 when he retained his title against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 in August. Makhachev's resume includes wins over Arman Tsarukyan, Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier, and Alexander Volkanovski twice.