Carlos Prates and Ian Garry have discussed a plan for a future title fight between them. According to Prates, Garry called him about three weeks ago to outline their strategy. The plan involves Prates defeating Madalena, Garry defeating Makhachev, and then the two fighting each other in Brazil. Prates believes the UFC would make this matchup happen, particularly if Garry wins the belt, setting up a rematch scenario. The ambitious plan depends on both fighters winning their respective upcoming bouts.
Carlos Prates has revealed that Ian Garry reached out to him roughly three weeks ago with an ambitious long-term plan that could culminate in a welterweight title fight between the two on Brazilian soil.
Prates, nicknamed "The Nightmare," described a multi-step roadmap proposed by Garry: Prates defeats Madalena, Garry defeats Islam Makhachev, and the two then meet in Brazil for the belt. The 32-year-old Brazilian fighter said he believes the UFC would be willing to put the matchup together — especially if Garry captures the title — given the natural rematch narrative it would carry.
Prates enters the equation as one of the division's more dangerous strikers. Sitting fifth in the welterweight rankings with a 24-7-0 record, the six-foot-one, 185-centimeter Vale Top Team product brings a 78-inch reach and genuine finishing ability to the table. He lands 3.77 significant strikes per minute at a 55 percent accuracy rate, making him one of the more efficient volume strikers in the division.
Why it matters
- Prates is ranked fifth at welterweight, meaning a win over Madalena could strengthen his title-contender case regardless of what Garry does.
- If Garry were to win welterweight gold, a fight in Brazil against a ranked, fan-friendly finisher like Prates would carry significant commercial appeal.
- The plan hinges entirely on both fighters winning their next respective outings, making it contingent rather than confirmed.
No official bout agreement between Prates and Garry exists at this stage, and the scenario remains a plan discussed between the fighters rather than anything sanctioned by the promotion. Both men must first handle their individual next opponents before any such matchup could realistically take shape.
