Ian Machado Garry likes Carlos Prates' chances against Islam Makhachev.
Machado Garry (17-2 MMA, 10-2 UFC) fended off a late surge from Prates when they fought in their April 2025 main event. The Irishman went on to beat former champion Belal Muhammad to earn a shot at welterweight champion Makhachev at UFC 330 but fell short by unanimous decision.
Since losing to Machado Garry, Prates (24-7 MMA, 7-1 UFC) finished Geoff Neal, Leon Edwards, and Jack Della Maddalena to position himself as a No. 1 contender. If Prates is indeed next for Makhachev (29-1 MMA, 18-1 UFC), Machado Garry smells an upset.
"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."
Machado Garry called for a fight with undefeated Michael Morales to reposition himself for a title-fight rematch with either Makhachev or Prates.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Ian Machado Garry's heart tells him Carlos Prates can beat Islam Makhachev
