Carlos Prates and Ian Garry have devised a plan for a potential title fight between them in Brazil. According to Prates, he spoke with Garry approximately three weeks ago and they outlined a scenario where Prates defeats Joaquin Buckley (referred to as Maddalena), Garry beats Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title, and then the two meet in Brazil for the championship. Prates believes the UFC would make this fight happen if the circumstances align. He also mentioned that if Garry captures the belt, their bout would be considered a rematch, though details are limited on any previous encounter. The plan is ambitious given the competitive landscape at lightweight and depends on both fighters winning their respective upcoming bouts.
Carlos Prates and Ian Garry have reportedly mapped out an ambitious road to a title fight, with the Brazilian welterweight disclosing the broad strokes of a plan the two fighters discussed roughly three weeks ago.
According to Prates, the scenario works as follows: he defeats Joaquin Buckley, Garry goes on to beat the reigning champion for the belt, and the two then meet in Brazil for the title. Prates indicated he believes the UFC would be willing to stage the fight if both men hold up their end of the bargain.
Prates, nicknamed "The Nightmare," enters this picture as the fifth-ranked welterweight at 32 years old. The Brazilian southpaw-and-switch hitter carries a 24-7 record and fights out of Vale Top Team. Standing six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach, he is one of the more active strikers in the division, averaging 3.77 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy. His upcoming opponent, Joaquin Buckley, is ranked 11th at welterweight and holds a 21-8 record. "New Mansa" is a fellow switch-and-southpaw threat averaging 3.88 significant strikes landed per minute, though his accuracy sits at 36 percent.
The lightweight champion referenced in the plan is Islam Makhachev, the pound-for-pound ranked Russian who holds a 28-1 record and fights out of Eagles MMA. Makhachev is 34 years old and has established himself as one of the most complete fighters in the sport, combining elite grappling — 3.2 takedowns and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes — with a 58 percent striking accuracy mark. Prates noted that a fight with Garry would technically be a rematch, though specifics on any previous meeting between the two were not provided.
Why it matters
- A Prates win over Buckley would push him firmly into title contention at welterweight
- The scenario hinges on Garry defeating one of the sport's most dominant champions
- A potential title fight in Brazil would carry significant promotional and cultural weight for Prates
