Carlos Prates has declared his intention to fight the winner of the welterweight title bout scheduled for UFC 330 on August 15th between Islam Makhachev and Ian Garry. Prates stated he will be in the front row watching the championship fight and will face the victor. He praised Jack Della Maddalena's boxing and admitted being wary of his hands, but believes himself to be the superior striker. Prates highlighted his versatility, noting he can strike with hands, feet, and knees. The post asks fans whether Prates deserves an immediate title shot or needs a number one contender fight with Morales first.
Carlos Prates has publicly declared himself next in line at welterweight, announcing he intends to fight whoever walks out of the Islam Makhachev versus Ian Garry title bout at UFC 330 on August 15th as champion.
Prates, nicknamed "The Nightmare," enters that conversation carrying a 24-7 record and the fifth-place ranking in the welterweight division. The 32-year-old Brazilian out of Vale Top Team stands six-foot-one with a notably long 78-inch reach, and his striking output reflects his aggressive style — he lands 3.77 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy, working across multiple ranges with hands, feet, and knees. He was direct in stating he considers himself the superior striker in the division.
Standing in his way of an immediate shot is welterweight champion Islam Makhachev, who moved to 155 pounds worth of record at 28-1 after transitioning from lightweight. The 34-year-old Russian southpaw is as complete a fighter as exists in the sport, combining 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes with sharp wrestling and a striking accuracy of 58 percent. His title defense against Garry at UFC 330 will be his first at 170 pounds.
Prates was also candid about Jack Della Maddalena, the fourth-ranked contender who has been linked to the welterweight title picture. He acknowledged being wary of the 29-year-old Australian's boxing — Della Maddalena ranks among the division's most prolific strikers at 5.57 significant strikes per minute — while still asserting his own striking versatility gives him an edge.
Why it matters
- Prates at number five is knocking on the door of a title shot but has not yet cleared every contender above him
- A potential matchup with third-ranked or higher opposition, including a suggested fight with Morales, could serve as the final qualifier
- Prates's reach advantage and multi-discipline striking presents a stylistic contrast to the grappling-heavy Makhachev
