Carlos Prates believes Ian Machado Garry has the very best likelihood of dethroning reigning UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev.
Makhachev was anticipated to make the primary protection of his 170-pound strap post-Ramadan. Nonetheless, Dana White just lately knowledgeable the media that the pound-for-pound king has suffered a hand harm, which can delay his return.
Garry, the No. 2 welterweight contender, or Michael Morales, undefeated and No. 3, is expected to get the next title shot.
In the meantime, Prates will likely be taking up Jack Della Maddalena in the primary occasion of UFC Perth on Could 2.
Carlos Prates believes Ian Machado Garry has a greater likelihood of beating Islam Makhachev
Carlos Prates, who misplaced to short-notice opponent Ian Machado Garry in 2025, believes “The Future” has ample battle IQ and instruments to provide Islam Makhachev a tricky battle. In a current interview with Pink Nook MMA, “The Nightmare” stated:
I feel Ian Garry [has the best chance of stopping Islam Makhachev]. I feel it could be somewhat bit totally different [than the 2024 Rakhmonov bout]. Ian Garry is aware of easy methods to transfer lots, easy methods to be actually aggressive, wherever on the bottom or standing up. So I feel that battle could be fascinating.”
Throughout the identical interview, Prates additionally added that in a possible bout, Michael Morales will get outwrestled by Makhachev and has zero likelihood of getting his hand raised in opposition to the Russian.
Take a look at Carlos Prates’ feedback beneath:
Though Islam Makhachev has proved his dominance at welterweight at UFC 322 in opposition to Jack Della Maddalena, Ian Machado Garry received’t be simple recreation, and Makhachev’s coach has additionally admitted the identical.
Shavkat Rakhmonov, who has a strong wrestling base and also trained in Sambo, was almost submitted by Garry in 2024, in a battle which the Dubliner took on quick discover.
Garry in the end misplaced the Rakhmonov bout and in addition his undefeated file, however in 2026, he’s a totally totally different fighter. He has dealt with Prates and Belal Muhammad with ease final 12 months and has now been working onerous with Georgian southpaw wrestlers to unravel the Makhachev puzzle.
“The Future” has first rate takedown protection, sharp placing, is fairly tough, and most significantly, holds a major top and attain benefit over Islam Makhachev. After witnessing the Irishman’s earlier outings, followers are effectively conscious that Garry will know easy methods to capitalize on it every time he fights the 34-year-old.
