Carlos Prates believes Ian Machado Garry has the best chance of dethroning reigning UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev.
Makhachev was expected to make the first defense of his 170-pound strap post-Ramadan. However, Dana White recently informed the media that the pound-for-pound king has suffered a hand injury, which may delay his return.
Garry, the No. 2 welterweight contender, or Michael Morales, undefeated and No. 3, is expected to get the next title shot.
Meanwhile, Prates will be taking on Jack Della Maddalena in the main event of UFC Perth on May 2.
Carlos Prates believes Ian Machado Garry has a better chance of beating Islam Makhachev
Carlos Prates, who lost to short-notice opponent Ian Machado Garry in 2025, believes “The Future” has ample fight IQ and tools to give Islam Makhachev a tough fight. In a recent interview with Red Corner MMA, “The Nightmare” said:
I think Ian Garry [has the best chance of stopping Islam Makhachev]. I think it would be a little bit different [than the 2024 Rakhmonov bout]. Ian Garry knows how to move a lot, how to be really competitive, anywhere on the ground or standing up. So I think that fight would be interesting.”
During the same interview, Prates also added that in a potential bout, Michael Morales will get outwrestled by Makhachev and has zero chance of getting his hand raised against the Russian.
Check out Carlos Prates’ comments below:
Although Islam Makhachev has proved his dominance at welterweight at UFC 322 against Jack Della Maddalena, Ian Machado Garry won’t be easy game, and Makhachev’s coach has also admitted the same.
Shavkat Rakhmonov, who has a strong wrestling base and also trained in Sambo, was nearly submitted by Garry in 2024, in a fight which the Dubliner took on short notice.
Garry ultimately lost the Rakhmonov bout and also his undefeated record, but in 2026, he is a completely different fighter. He has handled Prates and Belal Muhammad with ease last year and has now been working hard with Georgian southpaw wrestlers to solve the Makhachev puzzle.
“The Future” has decent takedown defense, sharp striking, is pretty tricky, and most importantly, holds a significant height and reach advantage over Islam Makhachev. After witnessing the Irishman’s previous outings, fans are well aware that Garry will know how to capitalize on it whenever he fights the 34-year-old.