Daniel Cormier has proposed that Islam Makhachev should face Carlos Prates rather than Ian Garry for his next title defense. Cormier argues that Prates's recent performance was far more impressive than what Makhachev did against Jack Della Maddalena. He suggests that Della Maddalena is not at the same level as Prates based on their respective showings. The post frames this as Cormier's opinion on the lightweight division matchmaking. No official UFC announcement or confirmation is mentioned.
Daniel Cormier has publicly called for Islam Makhachev to defend his title against Carlos Prates as his next opponent, putting forward the Brazilian contender over the previously discussed option of Ian Garry.
Makhachev, 34, carries a 28-1 record and holds champion status at welterweight, sitting at the top of the pound-for-pound rankings. The Russian fighter out of Eagles MMA is a disciplined grappler and a technically sound striker, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and landing strikes at a 58 percent accuracy rate — among the highest in the division.
Cormier's argument centers on a comparison between Makhachev's recent performance against Jack Della Maddalena and what Prates showed in his own latest outing. In Cormier's view, Prates looked significantly more impressive, and Della Maddalena's showing revealed a gap in level between the two fighters.
Della Maddalena, 29, holds a 18-4 record and sits fourth in the welterweight rankings. The Australian southpaw switch-hitter from Scrappy MMA is one of the division's most active strikers, landing 5.57 significant strikes per minute, but his grappling engagement is minimal, with just 0.13 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Prates, nicknamed "The Nightmare," enters the conversation at 32 years old with a 24-7 record and a fifth-place divisional ranking. The Brazilian fighter out of Vale Top Team stands six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach and generates 3.77 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy, making him a long, dangerous striker in any matchup.
Why it matters
- Makhachev's next title defense remains undecided, leaving room for multiple contenders to make their case
- Prates's size and striking range present a stylistically distinct challenge compared to Garry or Della Maddalena
- A win over Prates would carry more divisional weight if Cormier's argument about relative performance levels resonates with UFC matchmakers
