Islam Makhachev recently secured a unanimous decision victory over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330, solidifying his status as the pound-for-pound champion. In attendance were welterweights Carlos Prates and Michael Morales, both of whom are now considered top contenders for Makhachev's next title defense. While Morales boasts an undefeated record, Prates is viewed as the more compelling choice due to his stronger UFC resume and growing hype.
The potential matchups for Makhachev could lead to significant events in the UFC, with Prates likely to be favored for the title shot. Meanwhile, Mackenzie Dern's future remains uncertain as she awaits a possible fight with Zhang Weili, which could impact the strawweight division dynamics. The outcomes of these matchups could shape the landscape of their respective weight classes moving forward.