Daniel Cormier has proposed Carlos Prates as a replacement opponent for Islam Makhachev instead of Ian Garry. Cormier argued that Prates' recent dominant performance was far more impressive than Makhachev's victory over Jack Della Maddalena, noting that Prates made Della Maddalena look outclassed in a way that suggests Della Maddalena is not at Prates' level. The suggestion implies Prates would present a more compelling challenge for the lightweight champion. Cormier's comments reflect growing recognition of Prates' striking power and recent form. The post includes a poll asking fans whether they prefer Prates or Garry as Makhachev's next opponent.
Former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier has put forward Carlos Prates as a preferred next opponent for lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, suggesting the Brazilian striker would pose a more meaningful threat than the previously discussed Ian Garry.
Makhachev, 34, carries a 28-1 record and holds the number-one pound-for-pound ranking. The Russian southpaw, who trains out of Eagles MMA, averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands 58 percent of his significant strikes — a combination of grappling dominance and technical striking that has made him the sport's premier fighter. It should be noted the verified data places Makhachev in the welterweight division, though he is recognized here as the lightweight titleholder per the context of the story.
Prates, nicknamed "The Nightmare," is ranked fifth at welterweight and brings a 24-7 record into the conversation. The 32-year-old Brazilian stands six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach and lands 3.77 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy. Cormier argued that Prates' recent performance left Jack Della Maddalena looking thoroughly outclassed, and that the result revealed a clear gap between the two fighters.
Della Maddalena, 29, is ranked fourth in his division and carries an 18-4 record. The Australian is one of the more active strikers in the welterweight rankings, landing 5.57 significant strikes per minute, but Cormier's assessment suggests that output did not translate into a competitive showing against Prates.
Why it matters
- Prates' dominant showing has elevated his standing as a legitimate title contender
- A Makhachev versus Prates matchup would pit elite grappling against one of the division's most dangerous strikers
- The suggestion displaces Ian Garry from the conversation, reshaping the lightweight title picture
- Cormier's public advocacy, paired with a fan poll, adds media momentum to the Prates push
