Carlos Prates revealed he and Ian Garry have discussed a plan that could lead to a title fight between them. According to Prates, the scenario involves him defeating Vicente Luque (Maddalena), Garry beating Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title, and then the two fighting each other in Brazil. Prates believes the UFC would make the fight happen, suggesting it would be a rematch if Garry wins the belt, implying they may have fought previously or sparred. The post includes commentary questioning the plan's realism while acknowledging its appeal.
Carlos Prates has revealed a multi-step scenario he and Ian Garry have mapped out that they believe could culminate in a title fight between the two welterweights, potentially on Brazilian soil.
Prates, nicknamed "The Nightmare," outlined the chain of events required: he would need to defeat Vicente Luque, Garry would need to upset lightweight champion Islam Makhachev to claim that belt, and the two would then meet each other. The 32-year-old Brazilian fighter said he believes the UFC would make that matchup happen, and his suggestion that it would serve as a rematch implies the pair have some prior competitive or sparring history. Prates currently sits at number five in the welterweight division with a 24-7-0 record. Fighting out of Vale Top Team, the six-foot-one switch-hitter with a 78-inch reach lands 3.77 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy.
Standing across from him in that hypothetical first step is Vicente Luque, "The Silent Assassin," a 34-year-old American fighter carrying a 24-12-1 record. Luque is one of the division's more active strikers, landing 4.83 significant strikes per minute, and owns a 75-inch reach to go with a solid submission threat.
The plan's most ambitious piece involves Garry defeating Islam Makhachev, the reigning lightweight champion out of Russia. Makhachev holds a 28-1-0 record, lands strikes at 58 percent accuracy, and averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes — making him one of the most complete fighters in the sport regardless of division.
Why it matters
- A Prates win over Luque would push him further up a crowded welterweight contender picture
- Garry defeating Makhachev would rank among the biggest upsets in recent UFC history
- A Prates-Garry fight in Brazil would carry significant card-carrying weight given Prates's home support
- The scenario depends on two separate outcomes, making its realization far from straightforward
