Carlos Prates Looking Forward to Underdog Upset at UFC 330 Title Fight Between Islam Makhachev and Ian Garry 

Former opponent Carlos Prates thinks Ian Garry can shock the world at UFC 330 against welterweight champion Islam Makhachev.

Carlos Prates Looking Forward to Underdog Upset at UFC 330 Title Fight Between Islam Makhachev and Ian Garry 

Carlos Prates predicts Islam Makhachev vs Ian Garry (Image via IMDB/Reddit/DAZN)

Islam Makhachev defends his newly acquired welterweight title against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 in Philadelphia. The fight card has received criticism for the lack of star power apart from the main event. Nevertheless, welterweight contenders Carlos Prates is keeping a close eye on the title fight.

Islam Makhachev is heavily favored by the oddsmakers as he currently sits close to -340 and Garry is the underdog at +270. Two major upsets already happened this year when underdogs Justin Gaethje and Sean Strickland won their respective bouts in the last couple of months.

Makhachev has not lost a bout in 16 fights and looks as confident as ever. Nevertheless, Carlos Prates predicted Ian Garry to upset the Dagestani superstar at UFC 330. He made this prediction while attending UFC Vegas 120 this past weekend.

[At] UFC 330, Ian Garry is gonna beat Makhachev by decision. I don’t know if it is unanimous decision or split decision. But it is gonna be a decision.

Carlos Prates told UFC Media Team

Prates has previously mentioned about wanting to face Garry in a title rematch after losing their first encounter by decision. The Brazilian knockout artist lost to Garry at UFC Kansas City last year.

The Irish star took the bout on short-notice. It was also one of the reasons why the UFC picked Garry to fight Makhachev for the title despite Prates having more finishes than the Irishman.

The Brazilian rising star has his eyes on the welterweight title and recently indicated his interest to fight the winner of UFC 330 main event for his next fight. Even the champion Makhachev vouched for Prates challenging him next after this week’s title fight.

Recently, contenders like Michael Morales, Sean Brady, and Uros Medic called out Prates for a bout. However, Prates only wants a title fight next after demolishing Jack Della Maddalena in three rounds at UFC Perth, something Makhachev couldn’t achieve in five rounds.

It remains to be seen what the UFC will do after this weekend’s title fight. After all, Prates is a huge name at the moment and matching him with Makhachev or Garry could result in a massive title fight for the promotion.

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Former UFC title challenger thinks Ian Garry has the tools to upset Islam Makhachev

Former UFC star Demian Maia is among the best BJJ-based fighters the promotion has ever seen. The Brazilian grappler holds victories over Chael Sonnen, Ben Askren, and Jorge Masvidal to name a few big names in MMA.

Ian Garry takes on Islam Makhachev at UFC 330
Ian Garry takes on Islam Makhachev at UFC 330 (Image via Irish Mirror/Caspian Post)

Maia is among the few fighters to have fought for the UFC gold in two different weight classes although he failed both attempts (one at middleweight and one at welterweight). Having retired back in 2021, he has been coaching other UFC fighters, including Ian Garry.

Maia was seen in Garry’s corner when the Irish star faced Michael ‘Venom’ Page at UFC 303. Now, ahead of the UFC 330 title fight, the Brazilian revealed why Garry can upset the odds and become the champion this weekend.

Ian is a very smart fighter. He understands the most obvious advantage is his striking and control of distance. That’s why he has the tools to be the champion. It’s a very simple fight. It’s a striker versus a grappler. He said, ‘I want to be able to grapple and completely manipulate someone on the ground.’ He doesn’t want to feel like he has any holes.

Demian Maia via UFC 330 Countdown

Garry has confidently spoken about matching Makhachev’s skillset at UFC 330. He proclaimed himself as a tricky challenge for the Dagestani superstar. It appears his coach is confident as well.

The Irish contender has trained extensively for the upcoming title fight. It remains to be seen if all the training he did will be enough to conquer Makhachev at UFC 330.

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