MMA journalist Ariel Helwani shared his vision for the welterweight division's future. He predicts Islam Makhachev will face Ian Garry in August for a major bout. Following that, Helwani expects Carlos Prates to meet Belal Morales in the fall to determine the number one contender. The proposed timeline would set up a clear path to the title picture. Helwani's predictions reflect current momentum and rankings in the division. The post asked fans whether they agreed with this scenario.
MMA journalist Ariel Helwani has laid out his vision for the welterweight division's near future, predicting a pair of high-stakes matchups that would shape the title picture through the back half of 2026.
Helwani forecasts that welterweight champion Islam Makhachev will face Ian Garry in August, followed by a fall showdown between Carlos Prates and Belal Morales to determine the division's next top contender. The proposed timeline would create a clean road to a title shot for whoever emerges from that second fight.
Makhachev, 34, holds the welterweight title with a 28-1 record and represents one of the most complete fighters on the roster. The Russian southpaw lands 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and attempts 1.1 submissions in the same span, while also posting a striking accuracy of 58 percent — a figure that underscores his efficiency across all phases. He is currently ranked number one in the pound-for-pound standings.
Prates, known as "The Nightmare," enters the picture ranked fifth in the welterweight division with a 24-7 record. The 32-year-old Brazilian out of Vale Top Team is one of the division's most active strikers, landing 3.77 significant strikes per minute across a 78-inch reach. His switch-hitting style and volume make him a dangerous test for anyone standing across from him in the fall.
Why it matters
- A Makhachev title defense in August would be his first welterweight championship bout of the year, keeping the division's top spot active.
- A Prates-Morales fight would give the contender picture clarity, with the winner likely next in line for a title shot.
- Prates's elite striking volume against Morales's unverified profile makes the style matchup worth watching closely as details develop.
Helwani's predictions are not confirmed by any promotion or fighter camp, but they reflect the current momentum of the rankings and offer a plausible roadmap for how 170 pounds could unfold through late 2026.
