Oliveira backs Prates to dethrone Makhachev using Garry's blueprint

Charles Oliveira has backed Carlos Prates to dethrone UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev, arguing that Ian Garry’s performance in Makhachev’s first title defence at 170 pounds has handed “The Nightmare” a tactical blueprint for victory.

Prates, who has finished all seven of his UFC wins and carries a 24-7 professional record, is expected to challenge for the welterweight championship next year. Oliveira — who has faced Makhachev himself and trains alongside Garry — says the Irishman’s ability to go the distance with the Russian champion, enjoying notable moments of success along the way, has revealed exploitable weaknesses.

“I think Garry showed Prates the blueprint,” Oliveira told Sherdog. “I usually say these matchups will be close, but this time, I believe Prates has a real chance to win. Beyond being a sniper, he possesses knockout power and is a black belt in jiu-jitsu. If he lands those kicks to the ribs and calves, just like Garry did, he could catch the champion off guard. If Islam doesn’t secure a finish in the first or second round and Prates maintains the composure he’s shown in his recent fights, he has everything he needs to win.”

Makhachev (29-1) moved up from lightweight to claim the welterweight title and has defended it once, with Garry pushing him to a decision in that first defence. Oliveira’s assessment centres on Prates replicating Garry’s leg and body kick output while adding the finishing power that Garry lacked — a combination he believes could unsettle a champion still adapting to the heavier division.

Prates’ finishing rate across his UFC run underlines why Oliveira rates his chances. Seven fights, seven stoppages is a record that few welterweights can match, and Oliveira suggests that if Makhachev cannot impose his grappling early, the challenger’s striking variety and submission credentials make him a genuine threat deep into a fight.