Carlos Prates has expressed his desire to serve as the backup fighter for the upcoming Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Garry bout. The Brazilian contender has put himself forward as the ideal replacement should either man be forced to withdraw.
Carlos Prates has volunteered to serve as the backup fighter for the welterweight title fight between Islam Makhachev and Ian Garry, positioning himself as the ready replacement should either competitor be forced out of the bout.
Makhachev, 34, is the reigning welterweight champion carrying a 28-1 record. The Russian southpaw out of Eagles MMA is a dominant all-around fighter, landing 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes while posting a striking accuracy of 58 percent and averaging 2.63 significant strikes per minute. He also holds the pound-for-pound number-one ranking, making this title defense one of the most high-profile bouts on the calendar.
Prates, nicknamed The Nightmare, sits at number five in the welterweight division and brings a 24-7 record into the picture. The 32-year-old Brazilian out of Vale Top Team is a switch-stance striker with considerable physical tools, standing six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach. He is one of the more active strikers in the division, averaging 3.77 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy. His game is built almost entirely on the feet, with a near-zero submission attempt rate and just 0.21 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Prates is already ranked fifth in the division, meaning a last-minute entry into a title fight would represent the biggest opportunity of his career.
- His high-volume striking style presents a stylistic contrast to Makhachev's grappling-heavy approach, making him a credible and compelling insurance option.
- The welterweight title picture has significant depth, and any disruption to the Makhachev-Garry matchup would immediately reshape divisional rankings.
