Carlos Prates aims for a spot against Makhachev or Ian Garry in a UFC title fight: 'I'll be ready'

Prates celebrates victory in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

PUBLICITY:

Carlos Prates acknowledges that he is not yet the number one contender in the welterweight division (up to 77 kg), but assures that he will be prepared should the opportunity arise. After dominating and knocking out Jack Della Maddalena in the main event of UFC Perth , the Fighting Nerds smoker entered the race for the belt currently held by Islam Makhachev , although he admits that Ian Garry is ahead of him in the competition.

In an interview with 'Eurosport', the Brazilian revealed that he intends to start a training camp focused on August 15th, the date on which, according to him, Makhachev and Garry are scheduled to face each other. The motivation behind this nightmare is to be ready to replace either of them in case of unforeseen circumstances.

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"I'm going to start a fight camp on August 15th because, if something happens to Makhachev or Ian, they'll call me, and I'll be ready," said Carlos Prates.

With his sights set on Islam Makhachev, Ian Garry traveled to improve his grappling skills.

Ian Garry has been training in Georgia. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

PUBLICITY:

Even before any confirmation of the fight against Islam Makahchev, Ian Garry had already begun his preparation. The Irishman sought to strengthen his grappling skills to face the Russian and drew attention on social media by sharing a trip to Georgia, a country with strong wrestling traditions.

Ian Garry is heading to Tbilisi, Georgia 🇬🇪 pic.twitter.com/70kYW0FwXQ

— UFCStats💭 (@TheUFCStats) February 15, 2026

Carlos Prates is having a great run in the UFC.

Prates knocked out Della Maddalena at UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

Carlos Prates , 32, is one of the top Brazilian fighters currently active in MMA and is on the rise in the UFC. He began his career in the sport in 2012 and debuted for the organization in 2024. Currently, the striker is ranked second in the welterweight division.

In this discipline, the Fighting Nerds academy member built a record of 24 wins, 22 by stoppage (19 by knockout and three by submission), and seven losses. His main victories were over Geoff Neal , Jack Della Maddalena , Leon Edwards , Li Jingliang , and Neil Magny.

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