Carlos Prates revealed that he and Ian Garry have discussed a plan to meet in a title fight. According to Prates, the scenario involves him defeating Vicente Luque, Garry beating Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title, and then the two facing each other in Brazil. Prates stated that Garry called him about three weeks ago to discuss the plan and expressed belief that the UFC would make the fight. Prates suggested if Garry wins the belt, they would have a rematch. The ambitious proposal depends on both fighters winning their next bouts and Garry moving up in weight to challenge for a title.
Carlos Prates has revealed a long-range plan he and Ian Garry have discussed that would culminate in a welterweight title fight on Brazilian soil.
Prates, known as "The Nightmare," said Garry contacted him roughly three weeks ago to lay out the scenario. The proposal requires Prates to defeat Vicente Luque, Garry to move up in weight and beat Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title, and then the two to meet in Brazil for what Prates described as a potential rematch situation. Prates expressed confidence that the UFC would be willing to make that fight happen if both men hold up their end.
The 32-year-old Brazilian sits fifth in the welterweight rankings with a 24-7-0 record, fighting out of Vale Top Team. Standing six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach, Prates is a switch-stance striker who lands 3.77 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy. He represents a genuine finishing threat at 170 pounds.
His proposed next opponent, Vicente Luque, is a dangerous 34-year-old who carries a 24-12-1 record and fights out of Kill Cliff FC. "The Silent Assassin" is one of the division's most active strikers, landing 4.83 significant strikes per minute, and holds a 75-inch reach to go with his orthodox stance.
The third piece of the puzzle is Makhachev, the reigning welterweight champion and current pound-for-pound number one. The 34-year-old Russian owns a 28-1-0 record and averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes, posting a striking accuracy of 58 percent. Garry would need to move up a weight class to challenge him.
Why it matters
- A Prates title shot would be significant for Brazilian MMA, with the fight potentially returning to his home country
- Both prerequisite wins are steep tasks — Luque is a proven finisher and Makhachev has been nearly untouchable at the top of the sport
- The cross-divisional element adds an unusual layer, requiring Garry to campaign at lightweight before any welterweight title fight could materialize
