Carlos Prates and Ian Garry have discussed a plan for a future championship bout between them, according to Prates. The Brazilian fighter stated that Garry called him about three weeks ago to outline the scenario. Under their plan, Prates would defeat his next opponent Maddalena, while Garry would beat Islam Makhachev, setting up a title fight between the two in Brazil. Prates suggested that if Garry wins the belt, they would have a rematch, indicating he expects to be champion first. The plan is highly speculative and depends on both fighters winning their respective upcoming bouts. The post acknowledges the ambitious nature of the plan while questioning its realistic implementation.
Carlos Prates has revealed that he and Ian Garry have already mapped out an ambitious path to a title fight between the two, with the Brazilian claiming Garry reached out to him roughly three weeks ago to discuss the scenario.
According to Prates, the plan hinges on a chain of specific results. Prates would first take care of business against Ramazan Maddalena, while Garry would defeat reigning welterweight champion Islam Makhachev. The two would then meet for the title in Brazil. Prates added a notable wrinkle: he suggested he expects to be champion first, meaning a Garry victory over Makhachev would actually set up a rematch between them.
Prates, nicknamed "The Nightmare," is ranked fifth in the welterweight division at 32 years old. The Brazilian fighter out of Vale Top Team carries a 24-7 record and has built his reputation on high-volume, aggressive striking, 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 matchup for most welterweights.
Makhachev, the current welterweight champion, holds a 28-1 record and sits at the top of the pound-for-pound rankings. The 34-year-old Russian is regarded as one of the most complete fighters in the sport, combining 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes with sharp striking at 58 percent accuracy.
Why it matters
- A win over Maddalena would strengthen Prates's case for a title shot given his current ranking of fifth at welterweight
- Garry defeating Makhachev would be among the biggest upsets in recent welterweight history
- The prospect of a title fight in Brazil adds a significant promotional dimension if the pieces ever fall into place
- The entire scenario remains purely speculative and depends on two separate outcomes neither fighter can guarantee
