Carlos Prates and Ian Garry have discussed a plan where they would meet in a title fight. According to Prates, Garry called him about three weeks ago with the proposal: Prates would beat Maddalena, Garry would defeat Makhachev, and then they would fight in Brazil. Prates believes the UFC would make the fight happen, and if Garry wins the belt, it would set up a rematch between them. The post acknowledges the plan sounds ambitious but questions whether it can be realized.
Carlos Prates has revealed a bold two-step plan, reportedly proposed by Ian Garry, that could lead to a welterweight title fight between the two men on Brazilian soil.
Prates, who goes by "The Nightmare," says Garry contacted him roughly three weeks ago with the outline: Prates defeats Ramazan Maddalena, Garry beats Islam Makhachev for the welterweight championship, and the two then meet in Brazil for the belt. Prates believes the UFC would be willing to book the matchup, and he added that a Garry title reign would also open the door to a rematch between them down the line.
The Brazilian sits fifth in the welterweight rankings at 32 years old, carrying a 24-7 record into his next outing. Fighting out of Vale Top Team, the six-foot-one southpaw switch-hitter owns a 78-inch reach and produces 3.77 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy — numbers that make him one of the division's most dangerous offensive threats.
Standing in the way of that scenario is reigning welterweight champion Islam Makhachev, who would first need to be dethroned. The 34-year-old Russian holds a 28-1 record and has shown why he is considered among the best fighters on the planet, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and landing strikes at a remarkable 58 percent accuracy rate. Makhachev presents an enormous obstacle for any challenger.
Why it matters
- Prates is already ranked fifth at welterweight, meaning a win over Maddalena could push him firmly into title contention regardless of Garry's involvement.
- If Garry were to defeat Makhachev, a fight against Prates in Brazil would carry significant regional and commercial appeal for the UFC.
- The stylistic contrast between Prates's high-volume striking and a potential Garry title reign would make for a compelling matchup on paper.
