Carlos Prates and Ian Garry have discussed a plan where they would eventually meet for a title fight. According to Prates, Garry called him about three weeks ago to outline the scenario: Prates defeats Maddalena, Garry beats Makhachev, and then they fight in Brazil. Prates believes the UFC would make the matchup happen, suggesting it would be a rematch if Garry wins the belt. The plan represents an unusually collaborative approach between potential future opponents. The post expresses skepticism about whether this ambitious plan will actually come to fruition despite its appeal.
Carlos Prates and Ian Garry have reportedly laid out an ambitious joint blueprint that would see the two welterweights eventually collide for a title in Brazil, with each fighter required to clear a significant hurdle first.
Prates, known as "The Nightmare," revealed that Garry contacted him roughly three weeks ago with a specific sequence in mind: Prates defeats Jack Della Maddalena, Garry beats Islam Makhachev for the welterweight belt, and the two then meet in Brazil in what would serve as a rematch. Prates indicated he believes the UFC would be willing to make that fight happen under those circumstances.
The Brazilian ranked fifth in the welterweight division at 32 years old, carries a 24-7 record and brings a switch-stance striking game that generates 3.77 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy. Standing six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach, he is a dangerous volume striker with almost no takedown activity, making him a pure stand-and-bang threat.
Standing between Garry and that plan is Makhachev, the reigning welterweight champion from Russia. The 34-year-old Eagles MMA product holds a 28-1 record and has built his dominance around a combination of elite grappling and underrated striking. He averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands 2.63 significant strikes per minute at a remarkable 58 percent accuracy, giving him multiple paths to victory in any contest.
Why it matters
- A Prates win over Della Maddalena would push him firmly into title contention from his current fifth ranking
- Garry defeating Makhachev would represent one of the biggest upsets in recent welterweight history
- If both results land, a title fight between Prates and Garry in Brazil carries real commercial and competitive weight for the division
- The unusually open coordination between potential future opponents adds an rare layer of narrative to both fighters' upcoming bouts
