Ian Garry Getting Title Fight Explained Despite Having Less UFC Finishes Than Carlos Prates

Brazilian knockout artist Carlos Prates tells Kamaru Usman why Ian Garry may be getting the title shot against Islam Makhachev.

Ian Garry Getting Title Fight Explained Despite Having Less UFC Finishes Than Carlos Prates

Carlos Prates reveals why Ian Garry will get the title shot (via Instagram)

In Short
  • Ian Garry is a leading contender for a UFC welterweight title shot despite having fewer finishes than Carlos Prates.
  • Garry's recent victories include a unanimous decision win over former champion Belal Muhammad and a decision over Prates.
  • Carlos Prates and Kamaru Usman have expressed skepticism about Garry deserving the next title opportunity.

Ian Garry built his UFC reputation through consistent performances against ranked welterweight contenders across several major fight cards. However, his previous six UFC appearances all ended through judges’ scorecards without a stoppage victory. Many critics have labeled the Irish contender’s technical fighting style boring compared to Carlos Prates’ explosive, knockout-heavy striking approach.

Garry holds only one professional MMA loss, which came against Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 in 2024. The Irish welterweight recently strengthened his title ambitions at UFC Qatar after defeating former champion Belal Muhammad by unanimous decision. Before facing Muhammad, Garry also secured another decision victory over Prates during their UFC Kansas City main event clash.

Garry has emerged as a leading contender for a UFC welterweight title shot against champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 330 in Philadelphia. However, Carlos Prates remains one of the division’s biggest fan favorites following 7 KO/TKO wins. ‘The Nightmare’ recently discussed the evolving title situation alongside former champion Kamaru Usman during the Pound4Pound show appearance.

My last three fights, I have knocked out Geoff Neal, Leon Edwards, and JDM. If you look at the last three fights of Ian, he lost to Shavkat and beat me by points, and also Belal Muhammad by points. I think he got two fights on short notice: Me and Shavkat. Probably it is the way that the UFC says, ‘Okay, okay, you got two short-notice fights, and this (title shot) is your prize. That is a really good position; you are the top contender.

Carlos Prates via Pound 4 Pound Show

Prates quickly established himself as one of the UFC welterweight division’s most dangerous finishers. He most recently stopped Jack Della Maddalena at UFC Perth, following a knockout of former champion Leon Edwards at UFC 322 in November 2025.

Before that, Prates delivered a perfectly timed spinning elbow knockout against veteran Geoff Neal during their UFC 319 matchup. Those performances also strengthened Usman’s stance against Garry potentially receiving the next title opportunity.

If you look at the stats, look at the paper, I am not sold he is the guy. But he did the company a favor (by taking the Rakhmonov and Prates fights on short notice). This is the reason the company is like, ‘You took two short notices for us; if you win those, we will give you the shot.’ If you look at the stats, I am not sold.

Kamaru Usman via Pound 4 Pound Show

Kamaru Usman was considered a major option for Makhachev’s first welterweight title defense earlier this year. Makhachev reportedly preferred to face Usman because of the Nigerian star’s legacy as one of the division’s most dominant champions. However, the division is now overflowing with younger contenders. That competition has pushed a potential Usman vs Makhachev matchup out of current UFC plans.

Islam Makhachev has also addressed the title picture and clarified that a UFC 330 clash against Ian Garry remains unfinished. Following Carlos Prates’ dominant performance at UFC Perth, Makhachev viewed the Brazilian contender as the division’s most exciting matchup. The champion’s stance has further intensified discussions surrounding who deserves the next opportunity at the welterweight championship.

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Carlos Prates Thinks Islam Makhachev Would Favor Him Over Ian Garry for Inaugural Title Defense

Former UFC star believes Ian Garry is the toughest test for Islam Makhachev

Ian Garry has been calling out Islam Makhachev for months while positioning himself for a UFC welterweight title opportunity. The Irish superstar has repeatedly discussed shocking the MMA world by dominating the Dagestani champion inside the Octagon. While many believed a UFC 330 clash was already finalized, there has still been no official update regarding the fight.

Ian Garry's coach believes Islam Makhachev needs to fight the Irishman
Ian Garry’s coach believes Islam Makhachev needs to fight the Irishman (via X)

Makhachev’s greatest weapon has undoubtedly remained his elite wrestling, which has overwhelmed several opponents throughout his UFC career. The Dagestani champion showcased that dominance again at UFC 322 after defeating Jack Della Maddalena. However, UFC veteran Stephen ‘Wonderboy‘ Thompson believes Garry possesses the tools needed to dismantle Makhachev stylistically.

Ian Garry, he’s not afraid to use his wrestling. You actually see more of his wrestling than you do out of the other strikers. He’s very crafty, puts his hands and feet together very well, and he’s not afraid to go out there and wrestle. I think he’s long enough and lanky enough to give Islam a very hard time.

Stephen Thompson via MMA Full Mount

Garry recently traveled to Georgia to further improve his wrestling ahead of a potential clash against Islam Makhachev. The Irish contender trained at the renowned Gori Wrestling Gym, extensively sharpening his grappling and defensive wrestling techniques. Ian Garry’s decision further highlighted how seriously he is approaching a possible welterweight title fight against the dominant Dagestani phenom.

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