Carlos Prates revealed a plan discussed with Ian Garry approximately three weeks ago. According to Prates, the scenario involves him defeating Maddalena while Garry defeats Makhachev, after which they would fight each other in Brazil. Prates believes the UFC would make this matchup happen. If Garry wins the belt, Prates suggested it would be a rematch between them. The plan remains speculative and depends on both fighters winning their respective upcoming bouts.
Carlos Prates has revealed a conversation he had with Ian Garry roughly three weeks ago in which the two welterweights sketched out a potential future title fight on Brazilian soil.
Prates described a scenario built on two conditions: he would need to defeat his upcoming opponent Maddalena, and Garry would need to beat Islam Makhachev. Should both wins materialise, Prates said he believes the UFC would be willing to put the two of them together in Brazil. If Garry walks away from that contest as champion, Prates noted it would technically be a rematch between them.
The Brazilian, ranked fifth in the welterweight division, carries a 24-7-0 professional record into his next appearance. The 32-year-old out of Vale Top Team stands six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach and fights out of a switch stance. His striking output makes him a handful for any opponent — he lands 3.77 significant strikes per minute at a 55 percent accuracy rate, numbers that reflect both his volume and his precision on the feet.
Why it matters
- A Prates victory over Maddalena would keep him in the top-five welterweight conversation and strengthen his case for a title shot.
- Garry defeating Makhachev would create a new welterweight champion and open the door to exactly the matchup Prates is describing.
- The plan hinges entirely on two separate results going the right way, making it speculative for now, though Prates believes UFC matchmakers would be receptive.
- A fight in Brazil would carry significant promotional weight given Prates's home country support.
The scenario as Prates laid it out is contingent on outcomes that have not yet happened, and no official announcement has been made by the UFC or either fighter's management.
