MMA journalist Ariel Helwani has shared his vision for the welterweight division's immediate future. He predicts Islam Makhachev will face Ian Garry in August for the title. Following that, Helwani expects Carlos Prates to fight Joaquin Buckley in the fall to determine the number one contender. This timeline would set up a clear path to the welterweight championship for the winner of Prates vs Morales. The post is presented as Helwani's projection rather than confirmed information.








