Carlos Prates has a clear idea of who he wants to face once he wins the undisputed UFC welterweight title in 2027.
Originally, Prates was slated to challenge the current 170-pound champion, Islam Makhachev, at UFC 336 in January. Makhachev, the two-division titleholder, had expressed interest in facing Prates, naming him the most worthy contender. However, shortly after defending his title at UFC 330, Makhachev changed his stance. Now, the pound-for-pound star hopes “The Nightmare” will defeat Morales at UFC 336 to claim the interim championship first, setting up a title unification bout with Prates later. Although frustrated with this arrangement, Prates feels powerless, branding Makhachev a “coward” for agreeing to the fight verbally but not committing to an early defense. He also criticized Makhachev for withdrawing without explanation and suggested he should have fabricated an injury or excuse instead. Prates promises to put Makhachev to sleep and retire him when they eventually meet.
Prates is confident he will become the undisputed UFC welterweight champion next year. Once he achieves that, he is willing to defend the title against the only fighter who has defeated him inside the octagon to date: Ian Machado Garry.
In an exclusive interview with LowKick MMA, aided by Squawka, Prates was asked whether he would grant Garry a rematch if he wins the title. The 33-year-old responded, “Yeah, for sure. For sure. We have respect for each other, and a really good relationship. We’re not friends. We have a nice relationship. Sometimes he calls me and we talk, but not really good friends. After I beat him, okay, we can become really good friends.”
Prates lost to Garry in 2025 when the Irishman stepped in on short notice with a well-devised strategy. Garry avoided Prates’ striking range, utilized solid wrestling and footwork, and executed a tactical fight that earned him a unanimous decision victory, although Prates nearly scored a TKO in the final moments of the last round.
They had intended to run the fight back in Brazil had Garry succeeded in defeating Makhachev at UFC 330. However, Garry fell short, canceling the rematch. But if Prates manages to dethrone the Dagestani wrestling ace, fans could witness a thrilling sequel in Prates vs. Garry 2.
Fan Take: This rivalry adds an exciting layer to the welterweight division, showcasing contrasting styles and personal stakes that fans love. A potential rematch between Prates and Garry could become a defining series that elevates the division’s prestige and intensifies competition in the UFC.
Source: www.lowkickmma.com
