Last month, pound-for-pound king Islam Makhachev fought Ian Garry in a much-anticipated UFC welterweight title fight. Going into the fight, Makhachev was the fan favourite, and the Dagestani won the fight via unanimous decision.

Makhachev dominated most exchanges and beat Anderson Silva’s incredible 16 consecutive win record in UFC. However, the pound-for-pound king wasn’t able to finish Garry or impose his will like he used to in the lightweight division.
Top welterweight contender Carlos Prates was on the Octagon side for the fight and has shared his opinion about potentially beating Makhachev. “Man, honestly I think I got even more confident man. Because of the stuff l’ve seen and the time we have to train, I said man I think it’s possible,” said Carlos Prates via YouTube.
Carlos Prates says he is MORE confident that he will beat Islam Makhachev after watching him face lan Machado Garry:
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) August 27, 2026
"Man, honestly I think I got even more confident man. Because of the stuff l've seen and the time we have to train, I said man I think it's possible.
Via:… pic.twitter.com/gsYKDBLngE
Prates defeated Jack Della Maddalena via TKO in his last bout, extending his winning streak to three consecutive victories in the UFC. The Brazilian possesses fight-changing knockout power and believes he has the ability to become the first fighter to stop Makhachev.
Several experts, including Joe Rogan, have suggested that Makhachev should eventually return to the lightweight division. However, Makhachev appears comfortable competing at welterweight, where avoiding difficult weight cuts has become increasingly valuable as he gets older.

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Carlos Prates criticises Ian Garry’s performance against Islam Makhachev
After winning against Ian Garry, Islam Makhachev has talked about coming back later this year. Top names such as Carlos Prates and Michael Morales are the front runners for the welterweight title shot.
However, Makhachev has mentioned how he would prefer to fight Prates next. Prates has also talked about how Garry was overly friendly with Makhachev, which resulted in his loss.
“It’s not that good-natured; it’s like Aldo once said about playing possum to get the upper hand. [Garry] pretends to be your friend in there and then Makhachev thinks I’ve already scored I’m good, and then bam take a kick to the face it’s over, brother,” continued Carlos Prates.
😤 Carlos Prates doesn’t buy Ian Machado Garry’s kindness toward Islam Makhachev in the cage and warns him he can’t afford to give up a single round when they fight.
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) August 27, 2026
“It’s not that good natured, it’s like Aldo once said about playing possum to get the upper hand.
[Garry]… pic.twitter.com/1wMHeq8Zgl
Prates has shown respect to Makhachev but is ready to knock out the Dagestani next time they meet inside the Octagon. It will be interesting to see whether Makhachev can get a finish in the welterweight division.
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