Carlos Prates says he has been promised the next opportunity to challenge UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev following the Russian’s latest successful title defence.

Makhachev defeated Ian Machado Garry by decision at UFC 330 on Saturday, becoming the first fighter to record 17 consecutive UFC victories. After the bout, Makhachev said he hoped to compete again before Ramadan and suggested Prates and Michael Morales could fight to determine his next challenger, but Prates says the UFC has already made its decision.

“I’m the next for the title, basically,” said Prates to Ariel Helwani, as noted by MMA Fighting. “New contract, the next one for the title, and let’s go!”

Morales was also in attendance at UFC 330 and weighed in as the backup fighter for the main event, but Prates said the unbeaten contender will need another victory before receiving a title opportunity. “Bro, I think he’s going to fight, I don’t know, maybe Belal Muhammad or some other fighter,” said Prates. “But he needs to fight one more.”

The UFC has yet to officially confirm Makhachev’s next challenger or when the champion will return. Prates said he would be willing to face Makhachev before the end of the year and acknowledged that he expects to enter the prospective matchup as the underdog.

“I know I’m [the] underdog,” said Prates. “But I really want to fight him, not because of the title or money, because I want to test myself against him. I’m really excited to do this. I really think I can win. I can shock the world. I can make everybody surprised. I will do this.”