Carlos Prates has weighed in on a potential welterweight title fight between Ian Garry and Islam Makhachev. The Brazilian contender believes Garry possesses specific skills to challenge Makhachev but would still favor the champion if forced to pick a winner. Prates has a personal stake in the outcome, hoping Garry captures the belt so he can pursue a rematch for the championship on home soil.
Prates Analyzes Garry’s Chances Against Makhachev
Speaking on “The Ariel Helwani Show,” Prates offered a measured assessment of how a fight between Garry and Makhachev might unfold. The welterweight contender acknowledged the difficulty of the matchup while crediting Garry with the technical tools needed to compete at that level.
“I think [Garry can beat Makhachev]. It’s hard, but I think he has some skills needed to beat Islam,” Prates stated. “If I need to bet my money, of course Islam. But I really want Ian to get the belt, and then we do a rematch in Brazil for the title.”
Garry currently stands among the frontrunners for the next welterweight title shot against Makhachev. The Irishman’s striking and movement present unique challenges, though Makhachev’s grappling dominance and experience make him the favorite in most observers’ eyes.
The Personal Motivation Behind Prates’ Prediction
Prates holds a 23-7 professional record, with his only UFC loss coming against Garry. That defeat provides context for his comments about wanting Garry to defeat Makhachev. For Prates, avenging the loss carries more significance than the prestige of defeating a dominant champion like Makhachev.
Revenge Over Legacy
“To get the revenge against Ian [is more important than beating Makhachev],” Prates explained. “We have a really good relationship. We have a lot of respect for each other.”
This perspective reveals Prates’ priorities as he continues his welterweight campaign. Rather than chasing high-profile names, he focuses on settling unfinished business and correcting the single blemish on his UFC record.
Prates’ Path Back to Contention
Following his loss to Garry, Prates has demonstrated the resilience required of top contenders. He returned to the win column with consecutive knockout victories that showcase his finishing ability and technical improvements.
Recent Performance Summary
- Knockout victory over Geoff Neal
- Knockout victory over Leon Edwards
- Both wins displayed improved striking accuracy and timing
- Current momentum positions him for high-level matchups
Prates now faces former champion Jack Della Maddalena at UFC Perth on May 2. The matchup against Della Maddalena (18-3) represents a significant test in hostile territory, with both fighters looking to solidify their positions in the welterweight rankings.
The Welterweight Title Picture
The welterweight division currently presents several compelling storylines. Makhachev’s potential move to defend the welterweight title creates opportunities for contenders like Garry and Prates to establish themselves as legitimate championship threats.
Key Contenders to Watch
- Ian Garry positioned for title shot consideration
- Carlos Prates building momentum with knockout wins
- Jack Della Maddalena seeking to reclaim former status
- Islam Makhachev’s dominance creating urgency among contenders
A victory over Della Maddalena would strengthen Prates’ case for either a title eliminator or a rematch with Garry, depending on how the division develops in the coming months.
Mutual Respect Between Rivals
Despite the competitive nature of their previous encounter, Prates maintains a professional relationship with Garry. This mutual respect between fighters who share the cage remains common at the highest levels of the sport, where competitors understand the sacrifices required to reach elite status.
The Brazilian’s comments reflect this dynamic. He acknowledges Garry’s skills honestly while openly expressing his desire to compete against him again under championship circumstances. This approach demonstrates the maturity required to navigate setbacks and maintain focus on long-term goals.
Upcoming Test Against Della Maddalena
Before any potential title scenarios materialize, Prates must navigate the dangerous challenge of Della Maddalena at UFC Perth. Fighting in Australia against a former champion presents multiple obstacles, from hostile crowd energy to facing an opponent desperate to re-enter title contention.
Della Maddalena brings his own finishing ability and well-rounded skill set to the matchup. A win for either fighter dramatically shifts the welterweight landscape and impacts future title fight possibilities.
What’s at Stake
- Prates can solidify top five positioning with a victory
- Della Maddalena can reclaim momentum in his home country
- Winner likely enters title elimination conversation
- Loser faces extended rebuilding process
Expert Fighter Final Verdict
Carlos Prates demonstrates tactical awareness by recognizing Ian Garry’s potential against Islam Makhachev while maintaining realistic expectations about the outcome. His honesty about prioritizing a rematch with Garry over facing Makhachev shows clear strategic thinking about his career trajectory. Avenging his only UFC loss holds more value for Prates than the symbolic achievement of defeating a dominant champion in a different weight class scenario.
The practical approach Prates takes toward his career development deserves attention from other contenders. Rather than chasing legacy fights or money matchups, he focuses on correcting past defeats and building a complete resume. This mindset positions him well for sustained success in the welterweight division.
His upcoming fight against Jack Della Maddalena represents the immediate priority. A strong performance in Perth, particularly another knockout finish, would validate his recent momentum and force matchmakers to seriously consider him for high-stakes matchups. Whether that leads to a Garry rematch or another path to championship contention depends entirely on his performance on May 2.
The welterweight division benefits from contenders like Prates who bring finishing ability, technical skill, and clear competitive motivation. His comments about Makhachev versus Garry add an interesting layer to the division’s narrative, but his focus remains appropriately centered on his own path forward rather than speculating excessively about others’ opportunities.