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Prates expects welterweight title shot regardless of Makhachev-Garry outcome

Carlos Prates says he spoke with Dana White and UFC leadership after his finish of Jack Della Maddalena at UFC Perth and believes he is next in line for a welterweight title shot, whoever wins the expected Makhachev-Garry summer fight.

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Prates expects welterweight title shot regardless of Makhachev-Garry outcome
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Carlos Prates is convinced he will be the next welterweight title challenger, telling Ariel Helwani that private conversations with Dana White and UFC management following his third-round finish of Jack Della Maddalena at UFC Perth have left him certain of his position in the queue — regardless of who holds the belt.

“I talked with Dana and the UFC after my fight. We talked [about] some things I cannot say. But I really think I will be the next. No matter who gets the win between Islam and Ian Garry, I will be the next,” Prates said.

Rumours have linked Islam Makhachev to a welterweight title defence against Ian Garry this summer. On paper, the matchup creates complications for Prates’s timeline: a Makhachev victory could mean an extended wait given the champion’s relatively infrequent schedule, while a Garry win would ordinarily trigger an immediate rematch clause. Prates, however, does not believe the UFC would grant Makhachev a rematch if he loses.

“I don’t think they’re gonna do a rematch if Makhachev loses,” he said.

Prates (24-7) has finished all seven of his UFC victories and his only defeat in the promotion came via decision against Garry last year. Despite that loss, the two have since become friends — a dynamic that adds a personal dimension to Prates’s desire to see the Irishman pull off the upset. A Garry title reign would give “The Nightmare” the chance to avenge that defeat on the sport’s biggest stage.

“The favorite is Makhachev, and I think he’s gonna win,” Prates said. “But I really think Ian has some skills to beat Islam. He has a real chance. I want him to win, and then we can do a rematch for the belt. It would be amazing.”

Prates’s case for a title shot was significantly strengthened at UFC Perth earlier this month, where he delivered a lopsided beating to former welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena before stopping him in the third round — a performance that moved him to the front of a crowded 170-pound contender picture.

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