A discussion has emerged about who should be Islam Makhachev's next opponent, with the author suggesting Ian Garry followed by Carlos Prates as the ideal sequence. The reasoning centers on the conflict and buzz these matchups would generate both inside and outside the cage, as well as the sporting competitiveness and danger they would present to Makhachev. The author notes that viewers want to see rivalry and hype beyond just the fight itself, which both Garry and Prates would deliver. In contrast, the post suggests that Shavkat Rakhmonov does not generate the same level of excitement. Fans are being asked to share their preferred matchup options in the comments.
A debate has surfaced online about who Islam Makhachev should fight next at welterweight, with one prominent discussion pushing Ian Garry followed by Carlos Prates as the preferred sequence of challengers for the champion.
Makhachev, 34, holds the welterweight title and sits atop the pound-for-pound rankings with a 28-1 record. The Russian southpaw, who trains with Eagles MMA, is one of the sport's most complete fighters, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and connecting on 58 percent of his significant strikes. He brings both elite grappling and improving striking to every title defense.
Carlos Prates, ranked fifth at welterweight, enters the conversation as a genuine danger on the feet. The Brazilian known as "The Nightmare" carries a 24-7 record and lands 3.77 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy, making him one of the division's most active and dangerous strikers. At six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach — the longest of any fighter in this discussion — the 32-year-old switch-hitter from Vale Top Team offers a compelling stylistic puzzle.
Shavkat Rakhmonov, the undefeated Kazakh ranked third in the division, is also part of the conversation but the post argues he generates less public excitement than the other options. The 31-year-old "Nomad" carries a perfect 19-0 record, lands 3.25 significant strikes per minute at an impressive 60 percent accuracy, and adds 1.4 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him a well-rounded threat despite the perceived buzz deficit.
Why it matters
- Makhachev's next defense will have major pound-for-pound implications given his top ranking
- Prates presents a genuine striking threat at range with the longest reach in the welterweight title picture
- The discussion highlights a tension between pure sporting merit and the marketability of a title fight
- Rakhmonov remains undefeated and ranked above Prates, keeping the matchmaking debate genuinely open
