Carlos Prates has rapidly gained popularity in the welterweight division, known for his string of knockout victories that earned him bonuses in 2024. His upcoming main event bout against Ian Machado Garry in Kansas City on April 26 is seen as a key step towards challenging for the UFC title.
While he doesn`t believe a title shot will immediately follow, Prates feels a victory over Garry will position him “very close” to championship contention. He suggests that after defeating Garry, one more fight against a top contender such as Sean Brady, Leon Edwards, or even the loser of the Belal Muhammad vs. Jack Della Maddalena bout could secure his shot at the belt.
The welterweight title situation is currently centered around Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena, who are set to fight for the belt at UFC 315 on May 10. The picture could become more complex if lightweight champion Islam Makhachev decides to move up in weight, potentially challenging Della Maddalena if he wins.
Despite the possibility of delays in his title pursuit, the welterweight fighter from Fighting Nerds expressed no concern.
Prates stated, “I`m not in any rush. What`s meant to happen, will happen. I am confident I will become champion and hold the belt one day, so I feel good about it. While waiting can cause anxiety, it also has a positive side. The more time passes before I fight for the belt, the better prepared and more experienced I will be.”
Prates`s original opponent for UFC 312 on April 12, Geoff Neal, had to withdraw due to injury shortly before the event. This change unexpectedly led to Prates headlining a UFC Fight Night event in Kansas City, facing a higher-ranked opponent in Ian Machado Garry. Prates previously headlined a main event fight against Neil Magny in November, but that took place at the smaller UFC APEX facility in Las Vegas.
Commenting on the last-minute opponent change, Prates described it as “crazy.” He admitted to being initially upset by Neal`s injury but acknowledged that the situation ultimately improved for him. He highlighted the benefits of headlining a five-round main event against the No. 7 ranked fighter, compared to the No. 10 ranked Neal, noting the increased pay and the experience of headlining a show in a city like Kansas City, different from his previous main event at the APEX or a PPV appearance in Australia.
Ian Machado Garry trains at Chute Boxe Diego Lima, a gym situated just 11 miles from Prates`s Fighting Nerds facility in São Paulo. Despite some exchanges online, Prates clarifies that there is no actual rivalry between the two prominent São Paulo-based teams.
When the fight begins, Prates intends to finish the bout before the final bell. He noted Garry`s decision victory over decorated striker Michael Page in June 2024 but doesn`t necessarily see parallels between Page`s style and his own.
Prates explained his preference for knockouts, stating, “I prefer a knockout because it makes getting a bonus easier.” He added that he is also a jiu-jitsu black belt, ready to capitalize if Garry makes any errors. He questioned Michael Page`s grappling skills, citing a grappling match where Page`s jiu-jitsu appeared “quite basic, pretty bad.” Prates respects Page`s striking ability and awkward style but considers his jiu-jitsu skills “subpar.”
Prates anticipates a significant “clash of styles” with Garry, who he believes tends to prefer taking fights the full distance without rushing. In contrast, Prates explicitly aims for knockouts and bonuses, favoring early finishes. He finds the stylistic matchup intriguing, expecting Garry will attempt to grapple, perhaps feigning striking to close distance and seek takedowns or back control. Prates declared his readiness to defend against grappling attempts while also being prepared to strike and decisively defeat Garry.
Wesley Dunham