Carlos Prates and Ian Garry have discussed a plan to meet in a title fight if both win their next fights. According to Prates, Garry called him about three weeks ago with the proposal. The plan involves Prates defeating Madalena and Garry defeating Makhachev, followed by a title fight between them in Brazil. Prates believes the UFC would book the fight if it comes together. If Garry wins the belt, Prates sees it as a potential rematch scenario between them.
Carlos Prates and Ian Garry have mapped out an ambitious path toward a welterweight title fight, with the two contenders reportedly agreeing on a plan that would see them meet for the belt if both come out victorious in their next outings.
Prates, who goes by "The Nightmare," said Garry reached out to him roughly three weeks ago with the proposal. The blueprint calls for Prates to defeat his upcoming opponent Madalena, Garry to upset reigning champion Islam Makhachev, and the two contenders to then collide in a title fight on Brazilian soil. Prates has indicated he believes the UFC would be willing to book the matchup if both men hold up their end of the bargain, and frames it as a potential rematch given prior history between them.
Prates enters his next fight ranked fifth in the welterweight division. The 32-year-old Brazilian, who trains out of Vale Top Team, carries a 24-7 record and has built his reputation as a high-volume striker. Standing six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach, he lands 3.77 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy, making him one of the more dangerous standup fighters in the 170-pound bracket.
Standing in Garry's way is Makhachev, the welterweight champion who holds a 28-1 record and ranks among the top pound-for-pound fighters in the sport. The 34-year-old Russian out of Eagles MMA is a suffocating grappler who averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands 2.63 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 58 percent, the highest mark in this matchup.
Why it matters
- A Garry victory over Makhachev would instantly reshape the welterweight landscape and set up a high-profile title defense
- Prates, ranked fifth, would enter a title fight as a credible threat given his striking output and reach advantage
- The proposed Brazilian venue adds another layer of intrigue, given the UFC's history of marquee events in the country
