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 the scenario: Prates would defeat Maddalena, Garry would beat Makhachev, and then they would face each other in Brazil. Prates believes the UFC would make the fight happen, particularly if Garry wins the championship belt, which would set up a rematch between them. The plan appears contingent on both fighters winning their upcoming bouts and Garry capturing UFC gold.
Carlos Prates has revealed that Ian Garry reached out to him roughly three weeks ago to propose a path toward a future title fight, with Brazil serving as the intended backdrop for the showdown.
According to Prates, Garry laid out a specific sequence of events during the call: Prates would get past his upcoming opponent Roberto Maddalena, Garry would defeat Islam Makhachev for the welterweight championship, and the two would then meet in a title fight on Brazilian soil. Prates expressed confidence that the UFC would be willing to make the matchup happen, especially if Garry walks away from his Makhachev bout with the belt in hand.
Prates, known as "The Nightmare," is ranked fifth in the welterweight division and carries a 24-7 record. The 32-year-old Brazilian trains out of Vale Top Team and is one of the more dangerous strikers in the 170-pound class, landing 3.77 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy. Standing six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach, he presents a difficult physical puzzle for opponents.
Makhachev currently holds the welterweight title with a 28-1 record. The 34-year-old Russian operates out of Eagles MMA and ranks among the pound-for-pound elite. A versatile and suffocating fighter, he averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands 2.63 significant strikes per minute at an elite 58 percent accuracy, making him one of the most well-rounded champions in the sport.
Why it matters
- A Garry title win over Makhachev would immediately reshape the welterweight landscape and create a compelling rematch narrative with Prates.
- Prates versus Garry in Brazil would carry significant promotional weight, given Prates's home-country following.
- Both fighters must first handle serious opponents before any such plan can advance beyond a phone call.
