Brazilian welterweight contender Carlos Prates has expressed his strong desire to face his former opponent, Ian Machado Garry, once again. Prates, who is scheduled to fight Jack Della Maddalena at UFC Perth in May, sees a clear path to a title shot if he secures another impressive victory.
Prates suffered a short-notice loss to Garry in April of the previous year, which ended his undefeated streak in the UFC. However, he has since rebounded impressively with back-to-back knockout wins against Geoff Neal and Leon Edwards. Prates believes that if he can now defeat former champion Jack Della Maddalena by knockout, he will undoubtedly earn a welterweight title opportunity.
Looking ahead, Prates is particularly interested in seeing Ian Machado Garry challenge reigning UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, with a potential bout rumored for August. Prates stated that he would be actively supporting Garry in this matchup, hoping “The Future” will emerge victorious and dethrone Makhachev. Following such an outcome, Prates and Garry have already discussed the possibility of a rematch, with Prates expressing a preference for it to take place in Brazil.
During a recent interview, Prates outlined his vision: “I think that beating a former champion for the second time in a row and by knockout will lock in the title shot. Then there’s no one else for them to give the fight to but me.” He further elaborated on his current momentum, highlighting his potential for eight fights with seven bonuses if he wins against Maddalena, making him a compelling contender.
After his upcoming fight, Prates indicated that he would prefer to take some time for recovery before commencing a training camp for a title fight. In the interim, his focus is on Garry overcoming Makhachev. “I would rather let Ian Garry fight for the belt and then we will see what happens and I fight later,” Prates stated. “I am rooting for [the belt] to change [hands] so Ian Garry and I can have our rematch for the belt.”
Prates revealed that Garry had contacted him approximately three weeks prior, and they have established a plan: Prates defeats Maddalena, Garry defeats Makhachev, and then they will have their rematch in Brazil.