Can Carlos Prates cause Islam Makhachev some problems and perhaps even become UFC welterweight champion? Ian Machado Garry seems to think so.

Carlos Prates is a fascinating mixed martial artist to watch and so far in his career, he has made a habit out of landing big finishes. One man who he didn’t manage to do that against, of course, is Ian Machado Garry, and while he got close in the closing moments of their encounter, the Irishman held on to earn a win that would eventually help earn him his own championship opportunity.

Machado Garry lost that fight, swinging the door wide open for Carlos Prates to potentially claim a crack at the belt himself. Islam Makhachev, as we know, is potentially one of the greatest fighters of all time, and even on someone’s best day, they cannot afford to make any mistakes against a man who has proven himself time and time again to be the current best pound for pound fighter in the world.

Alas, in a recent interview, Ian Machado Garry opted to make a bold prediction regarding Carlos Prates’ potential clash with Islam Makhachev.

Ian Machado Garry sings Carlos Prates’ praises

“It’s a dangerous fight for both men,” Machado Garry said in an interview with Eze Talks Sports. “I think where Carlos is different to me is he’s far more aggressive, but equally I don’t feel like he’s as talented when it comes to stopping the grappling. So it’s a very, very interesting fight. Can Carlos land that one punch to knock him out, or can Islam take him down and finish him? It’s tough. Right now I feel like my heart is telling me that I think Carlos can get it done then we run it back again.”

Quotes via MMA Junkie

Regardless of what happens next in the title picture, Prates vs Machado Garry is absolutely a fight that we need to run back, especially if Carlos can bring the same kind of intensity that he did in the early stages of their original meeting. Either way, the welterweight division is on fire right now.

Ian Shutts

A combat sports journalist specialising in MMA, Boxing and Muay Thai with a special interest in Asian combat sports.