UFC welterweight Carlos Prates has some pretty big plans for his future in the wake of his recent success in the division.

Right now, there are few more interesting fighters in the Ultimate Fighting Championship than Carlos Prates. He has a great personality, the fans love him, and his fight style is very easy on the eye. Plus, he’s coming off the back of an absolutely masterful performance and win over Jack Della Maddalena.

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Many believe that Prates has earned the right to leapfrog Ian Machado Garry in the race to earn a UFC welterweight title shot. Alas, given that Machado Garry holds a win over Carlos, it may be a hard sell – unless they decide to go with Kamaru Usman and do a rematch between the two rivals.

In a recent interview, Prates had the following to say about what the future could hold for him in the UFC.

Prates discusses his future plans

“I think Ian’s gonna fight Makhachev, and I’m going to fight the winner,” Prates told Yahoo Sports.

“… I talked with them, with the UFC after my fight. Of course, we talked some things I cannot say, but I really think I will be the next. It doesn’t matter who gets the win between Islam and Ian Garry, I will be the next.”

“It’s good for me,” Prates said. “Get my injuries better, train a little bit more, improve, grow up as a fighter. If it’s long to fight for the belt, I will be more well-prepared.”

Carlos was the asked about the possibility of Ilia Topuria spoiling his plans by making the shift up to welterweight for a superfight with Makhachev – if he can get through Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250, that is.

“No. I think he’s going to still fight at 155,” Prates said. “I think so. …

“I’m thinking about to get the belt and then asking Topuria if he wants to come to 170. Let’s do this. Let’s dance!”

Quotes via MMA Fighting

What do you believe the future should hold for Carlos Prates? Does he have what it takes to become a world champion in the UFC? Let us know your thoughts on this in the comments below, BJPENN Nation!