Carlos Prates and Ian Garry have discussed a plan for a future title fight between them. According to Prates, Garry called him about three weeks ago to outline their strategy. The plan involves Prates defeating Maddalena while Garry beats Islam Makhachev, followed by the two meeting for a title bout in Brazil. Prates believes the UFC will make the fight happen and suggested that if Garry wins the belt, they would have a rematch. The ambitious scenario depends on both fighters winning their respective upcoming contests.
Carlos Prates has revealed that Ian Garry reached out to him roughly three weeks ago to map out an ambitious joint path toward welterweight gold, with the two fighters agreeing on a plan that would ultimately bring them together for a title fight on Brazilian soil.
Prates, nicknamed "The Nightmare," is ranked fifth in the welterweight division and carries a 24-7 record. The 32-year-old Brazilian out of Vale Top Team stands six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach and has built his reputation as a high-output striker, landing 3.77 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy. His next task under the plan is to defeat Maddalena in his upcoming contest.
Garry's side of the arrangement hinges on him dethroning reigning welterweight champion Islam Makhachev. The Russian champion, fighting out of Eagles MMA, holds a 28-1 record and is 34 years old. Makhachev is a well-rounded threat, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside 1.1 submission attempts in the same span, and posts a striking accuracy of 58 percent — among the highest in the division.
According to Prates, should both men come through their respective bouts, the UFC would then match them against each other for the belt. Prates added that if Garry were to win the championship, their eventual meeting would carry the added dimension of a title rematch.
Why it matters
- A Prates win over Maddalena would strengthen his top-five standing and keep him in title contention at 170 pounds.
- If Garry defeats Makhachev, the welterweight landscape would shift dramatically, and a fight with Prates would immediately surface as a logical next defense.
- The Brazilian setting adds a layer of promotional appeal that could make the UFC more inclined to pursue the matchup.
- The entire scenario depends on both fighters winning, making each upcoming bout carry extra stakes beyond individual rankings.
