Discussion is building around who should be Islam Makhachev's next opponent, with Ian Garry and Carlos Prates emerging as the top candidates. The poster suggests Garry first, then Prates as the ideal sequence, citing the existing conflict and competitive matchups both fights would provide. Both potential bouts are considered dangerous for Makhachev while offering the drama and rivalry fans want to see outside the cage. BSD Morales is mentioned as generating less excitement in comparison. The post emphasizes that fans are seeking compelling storylines and conflict leading up to the actual fights, which both Garry and Prates can deliver in different ways.
Debate is growing within the MMA community over who Islam Makhachev should face next at welterweight, with Ian Garry and Carlos Prates emerging as the two most prominent names in the conversation as of early May 2026.
Makhachev, 34, holds the welterweight championship and sits atop the pound-for-pound rankings with a record of 28-1. The Russian fighter, who trains out of Eagles MMA, is a southpaw standing five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach. He averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands significant strikes at a 58 percent accuracy rate, making him one of the most complete fighters in the sport.
Prates, nicknamed The Nightmare, enters the discussion ranked fifth in the welterweight division. The 32-year-old Brazilian carries a 24-7 record and brings a physically imposing frame at six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach. Fighting out of a switch stance for Vale Top Team, Prates produces significant volume, landing 3.77 significant strikes per minute, a figure that comfortably exceeds Makhachev's own output. His submission attempts sit at zero per 15 minutes, underscoring a clear preference for keeping the fight standing.
The discussion, which also name-checks Ian Garry as a preferred first opponent based on an existing conflict and the storyline appeal he brings, positions Prates as the logical follow-up. BSD Morales is referenced in the conversation but is viewed as generating comparably less fan interest.
Why it matters
- Makhachev as welterweight champion draws attention to every potential title challenger in the division
- Garry's pre-existing conflict with Makhachev offers the narrative build fans want before a title fight
- Prates presents a distinct stylistic challenge with elite striking volume and a significant reach advantage over the champion
- The debate reflects broader fan appetite for rivalries with genuine heat, not just competitive records on paper
