Carlos Prates says he expects Ian Garry to win but would be prepared to fight Islam Makhachev if called upon. Prates dismissed concerns about his grappling after being taken down by Jack Della Maddalena in the first round, noting he is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. The Brazilian welterweight indicated he is not afraid of takedowns. Some observers suggest Prates would prefer facing Garry for the title as an easier path. However, Prates expressed confidence in his ability to compete at the highest level regardless of opponent.
Carlos Prates has declared himself ready to fight welterweight champion Islam Makhachev if the opportunity arises, while also stating he expects Ian Garry to win his upcoming contest.
Prates, nicknamed "The Nightmare," holds a 24-7 record and is currently ranked fifth in the UFC welterweight division. The 32-year-old Brazilian out of Vale Top Team stands six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach and fights out of a switch stance. He lands 3.77 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy, making him one of the more active and precise strikers in the division.
Makhachev, the reigning welterweight champion, carries a 28-1 record and sits atop the pound-for-pound rankings. The 34-year-old Russian is a relentless pressure fighter who averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.1 submission attempts in the same span, making him a dangerous threat on the ground. His 58 percent striking accuracy also ranks among the best in the sport.
Prates addressed questions about his grappling after being taken down by fourth-ranked Australian Jack Della Maddalena, who holds an 18-4 record, in their first-round exchange. Prates pushed back on any concerns, pointing to his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt as evidence that he is comfortable working off his back and is not deterred by takedown attempts.
Some observers have noted that Prates might view a potential matchup with Garry as a more favorable route to a title shot. Prates, however, framed his position around readiness rather than preference, expressing confidence in his ability to compete against any opponent at the top of the division.
Why it matters
- A win by Garry could set up a Prates title eliminator or direct title fight, shaking up the welterweight top five
- Prates at rank five and Della Maddalena at rank four represent a tightly contested upper tier with Makhachev holding the belt
- Prates's grappling credentials will remain under scrutiny given Makhachev's elite wrestling and submission game
