Carlos Prates believes he’s now more confident that he can dethrone reigning UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev.

Makhachev most recently registered the first defense of his 170-pound strap by defeating Ian Machado Garry by unanimous decision in the main event of UFC 330.

Makhachev’s wrestling and sambo proved too much for the Irishman. Although Garry did an excellent job defending takedowns and quickly getting back to his feet whenever he was dragged to the mat, the two-division titleholder still managed to rack up more than 10 minutes of ground control time and 7 takedowns. The Dagestani wrestling maestro also dropped “The Future” with a head kick.

Garry punished Makhachev in the clinch, but it ultimately wasn’t enough to dethrone the 34-year-old.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – AUGUST 15: Islam Makhachev of Russia and Ian Machado Garry of Ireland embrace after a welterweight title bout during UFC 330 at Xfinity Mobile Arena on August 15, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Carlos Prates explains why he “got even more confident” after UFC 330

Carlos Prates was present at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to watch Makhachev take on Garry. He says the fight has only made him more confident that he has what it takes to dethrone Makhachev.

Carlos Prates Sends Terrifying Warning to Islam Makhachev After UFC 330 Win. [Images via UFC and Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC]

During a recent candid chat with Gilbert Burns, the Brazilian knockout artist admitted that he still has plenty of time to train and figure out the Makhachev puzzle. However, after watching the wrestling exchanges between Garry and Makhachev, Prates is confident that if he prepares properly, he can stop the reigning champion. Prates said:

“Man, honestly, I think I got even more confident, man. Because of the stuff I’ve seen and the time we have to train, I said, man, I think it’s possible [I beat Islam Makhachev]. Then I saw Ian defend some positions like I do, like the back against the fence, I said ‘damn, I do that a lot.’… Because he’s very tall, and it’s hard for Makhachev to get the hooks in, so I said damn man you can adapt that.”

“I think I do everything standing up. So there is no risk of losing the position. So I said ‘I think this guys gonna get screwed man, I think I might get a hold of him’.”

Check out Carlos Prates’ comments about Islam Makhachev below:

Prates, the No. 1-ranked 170-pounder, has knocked out 2 former UFC champs back-to-back, and after witnessing his recent form, even Islam Makhachev has seconded the idea that “The Nightmare” deserves the next title shot.

Makhachev wants to fight again before Ramadan 2027, and Prates already has a date in mind: UFC 334 on November 14 at Madison Square Garden.

Subham

Subham is a writer and editor with experience spanning MMA, Health & Fitness, true crime, and pop culture. He has previously worked with Sportskeeda MMA, SK True Crime, and SK Pop, Movies, and Shows.
He currently covers the UFC for LowKickMMA and MMA Pros Picks.