Carlos Prates suggests that UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev might prefer facing him over Ian Machado Garry.
Makhachev is preparing for his first title defense in the 170-pound division, with rumors circulating about a potential bout against Garry in August.
In contrast, Prates recently secured a knockout victory over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC Perth. Having achieved two consecutive knockout wins against former champions, Prates is confident that his next fight will be for the welterweight title. He has stated he will not take any interim fights and will await the winner of the potential Makhachev vs. Garry matchup. Should Garry emerge victorious, Prates and the Irishman have reportedly agreed to a rematch in Brazil.
Carlos Prates Explains Why Islam Makhachev Might Consider Him a Less Challenging Opponent
In a recent conversation with Daniel Cormier, Carlos Prates shared his perspective that Islam Makhachev likely views him as a more manageable challenge compared to Ian Machado Garry.
Prates elaborated that after experiencing defeats where he was taken down by Garry, Leon Edwards, and Jack Della Maddalena, the Dagestani wrestling expert might assume Prates would be an easier opponent. He stated:
“I believe he [Islam] thinks I’m a less difficult fight than Ian Garry. Perhaps because Ian defeated me. As I’ve mentioned, Leon Edwards and ‘JDM’ both managed to take me down, and Ian Garry did so on one occasion. He might be thinking it will be straightforward.”
“However, when I faced those fighters, I wasn’t overly concerned about takedowns. While Islam is undoubtedly a highly skilled grappler, I am a BJJ black belt, and I am also proficient on the ground. I know that those fighters couldn’t finish me or keep me down. Makhachev is a formidable grappler, but to date, I’ve managed to get back up whenever taken down. One thing I am certain of is that he is not an alien; he is human like the rest of us. So, we will see if he can take me down and prevent me from returning to my feet.”
Carlos Prates’ remarks can be viewed below:
👀 Carlos Prates thinks Islam Makhachev would rather fight him than Ian Garry:
“He [Islam] just thinks that I’m an easier fight than Ian Garry.
Because Ian beat me. Leon Edwards took me down, JDM took me down, Ian Garry took me down one time.
Maybe he thinks it’s gonna be… pic.twitter.com/VbD2ohHZVK
— Full Mount MMA (@MMAFullMount) May 26, 2026
