Carlos Prates argues that Ian Machado Garry deserves the next title shot in the UFC welterweight division due to his impressive performance and willingness to take fights on short notice. Garry currently has a two-fight win streak, most recently defeating Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar by unanimous decision. Despite Prates' knockout record against former UFC champions, he believes Garry's recent risks and adaptability have impressed the UFC decision-makers, making him the preferred choice for a matchup against champion Islam Makhachev.

By the Numbers
  • Ian Machado Garry is on a two-fight win streak, with his last win coming against Belal Muhammad.
  • Carlos Prates has knocked out three opponents in succession, including two former UFC champions.
Yes, But

Prates acknowledges that while Garry's recent victories are noteworthy, he has suffered a loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov recently. This raises questions about Garry's current standing compared to Prates, who has a perfect record against high-level opponents.

State of Play
  • Garry is preparing for a title fight against Islam Makhachev and has trained with southpaw wrestlers.
  • Prates is the No. 2-ranked contender and anticipates fighting the winner of the Garry vs. Makhachev bout.
What's Next

Looking ahead, if Garry can secure a victory against Makhachev, it may solidify his status in the welterweight division, leaving Prates to challenge him or consolidate his position against other contenders. Both fighters have paths toward the title, but their trajectories may depend on their upcoming bouts.

Bottom Line

Garry's willingness to take risks and fight on short notice has caught the UFC's attention, suggesting that adaptability and opportunism can be as crucial as winning records in the quest for a title shot. The narrative highlights the dynamic nature of contender status in the UFC welterweight division.