Carlos Prates says he has spoken with the UFC after his knockout of Jack Della Maddalena and believes he will be the next welterweight title challenger, regardless of whether Islam Makhachev or Ian Machado Garry holds the belt.
Speaking to Yahoo Sports, Prates was direct about what he expects to happen next.
“I think Ian’s gonna fight Makhachev, and I’m going to fight the winner. I talked with them, with the UFC after my fight. Of course, we talked some things I cannot say, but I really think I will be the next. It doesn’t matter who gets the win between Islam and Ian Garry, I will be the next.”
Prates has gone seven wins, seven stoppages, and seven Performance of the Night bonuses in eight UFC appearances. His third-round knockout of Della Maddalena at UFC Perth earlier this month was his third consecutive finish and made a title shot impossible to ignore.
A Makhachev vs. Garry fight has been rumored but not officially announced, with the August numbered event reported as a possible target. That timeline could leave Prates waiting close to a year before fighting for the belt — a long layoff for a fighter who has competed eight times in two and a half years. He said the wait would not hurt him.
“It’s good for me. Get my injuries better, train a little bit more, improve, grow up as a fighter. If it’s long to fight for the belt, I will be more well-prepared.”
On the question of Ilia Topuria potentially jumping to welterweight to fight Makhachev, Prates said he does not see it happening and has a long-term plan if Topuria does want the fight.
“No. I think he’s going to still fight at 155. I’m thinking about to get the belt and then asking Topuria if he wants to come to 170. Let’s do this. Let’s dance!”