Carlos Prates revealed that he and Ian Garry have discussed a plan that would see them meet in a title fight in Brazil. According to Prates, Garry called him about three weeks ago to outline the scenario: Prates would defeat Vicente Luque (referred to as Maddalena in the post), Garry would defeat Islam Makhachev, and then they would fight for the title in Brazil. Prates believes the UFC would make the fight happen, and if Garry wins the belt, they would have a rematch. The post notes skepticism about the plan's feasibility despite its appeal. Both fighters currently compete in the welterweight division, though Garry facing Makhachev would require a move to lightweight where Makhachev is champion.
Carlos Prates has revealed that he and Ian Garry have already mapped out an ambitious future that ends with a welterweight title fight on Brazilian soil, provided both men handle their immediate business first.
Prates, known as "The Nightmare," says Garry contacted him roughly three weeks ago with a detailed scenario in mind. The plan calls for Prates to defeat Vicente Luque, Garry to defeat Islam Makhachev, and the two of them to then collide for the belt in Brazil. Prates added that if Garry were to win the title, a rematch clause would also be built in. He expressed confidence that the UFC would be willing to put the fight together under those circumstances.
The Brazilian stands at six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach and carries a 24-7 record into his next assignment. Ranked fifth in the welterweight division at 32 years old, Prates has built a reputation as a high-output striker, landing 3.77 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy while fighting out of Vale Top Team.
His scheduled opponent, Vicente Luque, brings genuine danger to any matchup. "The Silent Assassin" holds a 24-12-1 record and lands an imposing 4.83 significant strikes per minute, giving him one of the higher output rates in the division at 51 percent accuracy.
Why it matters
- Prates is ranked fifth at welterweight, meaning a convincing win over Luque could push him firmly into title contention regardless of any pre-arranged agreement.
- The plan requires Garry to move down to lightweight and defeat reigning champion Islam Makhachev, who holds a 28-1 record and is the current pound-for-pound number one, making that portion of the scenario a significant hurdle.
- A title fight in Brazil would carry enormous promotional weight given Prates's roots there, adding a layer of motivation beyond the belt itself.
