Discussion: Ian Garry then Carlos Prates proposed as ideal opponents for Islam Makhachev

A strategic roadmap has been proposed for Islam Makhachev's path to surpassing Jon Jones in the greatest-of-all-time conversation. The suggested sequence starts with Ian Garry, followed by Carlos Prates, with both fights offering built-in conflict and genuine danger for the lightweight champion. The analyst notes that these matchups would generate significant buzz outside the cage while remaining competitively threatening inside it. Diego Moralles is mentioned as not generating the same level of excitement. The post argues that defeating Garry and Prates, along with previously suggested opponents, could elevate Makhachev to or beyond Jones' legacy level. Emphasis is placed on the fan desire for genuine rivalries and pre-fight tension, which both proposed matchups would deliver.