Demian Maia explains what Carlos Prates needs to beat Islam Makhachev

Demian Maia believes Carlos Prates has the tools to defeat Islam Makhachev. The former UFC title challenger recently worked with Ian Machado Garry ahead of his fight against the UFC welterweight champion in August and sees one key factor that could determine Prates' chances against the Russian.

Demian Maia Recalls Working With Ian Machado Garry

Maia helped Garry prepare for Makhachev and was in the Irishman's corner for their UFC 330 title fight. Although Garry was ultimately defeated by unanimous decision, Maia believes he was able to execute much of the game plan they had prepared. However, the Brazilian can also visualize small missed opportunities that could have changed the fight.

"He executed the plan correctly and was able to make the takedown defenses and do what we had planned," Maia told PVT. "In the striking, I thought that maybe — it's very easy to say from the outside — but inside the fight, perhaps if he had used the kicks a little more, I believe it could have changed the course of the fight."

The Brazilian also pointed out that Makhachev was able to control the distance well and defend Garry's strikes. In the end, as Maia put it, details made all the difference.

"I saw Ian landing good straight punches, with his long jab and straight shots, and Islam was always at a very good defensive distance, despite being smaller," Maia said. "So it was all about details. It's not a coincidence that Makhachev is the champion, because he didn't make mistakes in those details."

Demian Maia Backs Carlos Prates Against Islam Makhachev

Despite the difficulties Prates might face against Makhachev, Maia believes the Brazilian has what it takes to win. According to the former UFC title challenger, Prates needs to work on his distance while staying sharp in his takedown defense if he wants to beat the Russian champion.

"I think Prates is an exceptional fighter, a phenomenon here in Brazil," Maia said. "He can beat anyone. Everything depends on how his takedown defense will be, because if there's one thing this guy (Makhachev) does very well, it's taking people down, and he has very solid jiu-jitsu when he gets on top. [...] I think his (Prates) game is already very efficient. He kicks a lot and has very heavy hands. I think it's about working on distance and perhaps anticipating some of his takedown defenses."

Although Maia is confident that Prates can defeat Makhachev in a potential matchup, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace also acknowledges that the Russian is heading toward becoming one of the greatest of all time and would be a difficult fight for anyone, including Prates.

For now, there is no official matchup booked by the UFC, and neither fighter has a date or opponent for his next fight.