Carlos Prates Accuses Conor McGregor of “Chickening Out” After Ignoring Fight Callout
Conor McGregor has recently dominated headlines again after teasing his long-awaited UFC comeback through several cryptic posts and statements. The Irish superstar repeatedly mentioned needing a fresh contract with the UFC, leaving fans excited and constantly speculating about his return.
Despite long inactivity inside the Octagon, McGregor remains the biggest attraction in the UFC and the promotion’s most valuable superstar. Because of that status, many fighters openly campaign for a chance to fight him, hoping the matchup will boost their careers. Top welterweight contender Carlos Prates is among those fighters who publicly expressed interest in facing McGregor next.
Weeks ago, reports surfaced suggesting McGregor had been offered a potential fight against the Brazilian striker, generating strong reactions online. However, during a recent interview, Prates revealed that the ‘Notorious’ ultimately turned down the opportunity to face him.
“He chickened out and ran away… because I’m a tough matchup, man. The guy’s been inactive for 5 years, and it’s not even in his weight class. I’m coming in with all the hype, knocking everyone out. If I were in his position, I wouldn’t accept that fight either, no way,” Carlos Prates via Laerte Viana.
🚨 Carlos Prates says he heard his name was offered to Conor McGregor and McGregor turned it down 😳
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) March 4, 2026
"He chickened out and ran away… because I'm a tough matchup, man. The guy's been inactive for 5 years, and it's not even in his weight class. I'm coming in with all the hype,… pic.twitter.com/Bh8HmCICjs
Prates is known for his incredible Knockout power and is currently on a two-fight winning streak, beating Leon Edwards in his last outing. The fighter is also popular outside of the Octagon, given his personality and smoking cigarettes while being a professional fighter. Prates is more focused on getting the welterweight title shot against the current champion, Islam Makhachev.
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Conor McGregor gets called out for a potential BMF title clash
The UFC BMF title will be on the line this Saturday in the main event of UFC 326 at the T-Mobile Arena. Max Holloway will defend the symbolic title against former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira in a much-anticipated rematch.
In the first bout back in 2015, Oliveira lost the bout via doctor’s stoppage due to an injury, and is motivated to take his revenge. Going into the clash this weekend, the Brazilian is the betting underdog, but an upset is always possible. Ahead of the bout, ‘Do Bronx’ has also suggested a potential dream match-up for him later this year.
“I would fight him for the money. I think he’s a guy that deserves to fight for the BMF. For everything he’s done for the sport, for all of his glories, for the way he talks as well,” Charles Oliveira via Submission Radio.
In the past, McGregor has shown interest in fighting Oliveira, and given that he currently has no opponents, this could lead to a potential clash. However, before that, the Brazilian needs to beat Max Holloway and regain his championship momentum.
READ MORE: UFC 326: Max Holloway vs Charles Oliveira Prediction
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