Carlos Prates says Islam Makhachev views him as an easier fight than Ian Machado Garry

Carlos Prates is currently on a three-fight win streak, and many believe that the UFC could accord him a welterweight title shot sooner rather than later. Meanwhile, reigning UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev recently suggested that Prates is likely the best challenge for him in the division right now. 

Prates has responded to Makhachev's statement and asserted that it's probably because the Dagestani MMA star views him as an easier fight than Ian Machado Garry. For context, the consensus is that Makhachev is likely to defend his title against Garry at UFC 330 on August 15, 2026. The UFC hasn't officially announced the Makhachev-Garry matchup yet. 

Carlos Prates feels Islam Makhachev views him as an easier fight than Ian Machado Garry

During a recent appearance on MMA great Daniel Cormier's YouTube channel, Carlos Prates was asked about Makhachev's recent comments about a possible matchup against him. Around the 12:25-minute mark of their conversation, Prates responded by stating, "Bro, I think he say that just because he thinks that I'm an easier fight than Ian Garry." 

Upon being asked why he'd say that about Makhachev, the Brazilian fighter explained, "I don't know. Because maybe beat me. And, like I said, Leon Edwards took me down. 'JDM' took me down ... Ian Garry took me down one time. Maybe he thinks it's going to be easy." He added, "But, when I fought these guys, I didn't care about takedowns." 

"The Nightmare" opined that his aforementioned opponents knew that he's a BJJ black belt, adding that they probably weren't looking to finish him on the ground but simply wanted to hold him there. Prates implied that he'd be more proactive in defending takedowns and grappling against grappling savant Makhachev. 

The 32-year-old said, "Makhachev is really good on grappling, really good. But until now, everybody who took me down, I got up ... He's not from another planet. He's human, like us." He indicated that it remains to be seen whether Makhachev is able to take him down and whether he's able to get back to his feet. 

Carlos Prates is willing to be a backup fighter for the potential Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry fight

Around the 20:25-minute mark of Carlos Prates' conversation with former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier -- who also happens to be Islam Makhachev's longtime training partner and friend from the AKA (American Kickboxing Academy) gym -- the duo discussed the potential upcoming welterweight title fight. Cormier asked whether Prates would be open to serving as the backup/replacement fighter for the rumored title clash between Makhachev and Ian Machado Garry. 

The knockout artist seemingly expressed his willingness to be the backup fighter if Makhachev or Garry were to withdraw from the title showdown due to injury and/or other reasons. Prates said, "No, I can do this. I can do this." 

Furthermore, at the 14:27-minute mark of their discussion, Prates emphasized that he's heard that Makhachev is first going to fight Garry, and then he's going to fight the winner of that matchup for the welterweight title. 

 

Watch Prates' conversation with Cormier below: