Ian Garry Predicts Future 170-Pound Matchups Involving Islam Makhachev, Carlos Prates and Michael Morales

Ian Garry thinks Islam Makhachev will face Carlos Prates next, leaving Michael Morales out of the title picture.

Ian Garry Predicts Future 170-Pound Matchups Involving Islam Makhachev, Carlos Prates and Michael Morales

Ian Garry reveals what's next for Islam Makhachev and top contenders (Image via MMA Fighting/UFC.com)

The UFC welterweight division has only had one title fight so far in 2026. After UFC 330 concluded with Islam Makhachev defending the title against Ian Machado Garry, the promotion has yet to reveal what’s next for the champion.

Carlos Prates and Michael Morales are potential title challengers waiting in the wings to see if they get the title shot next. Prates recently finished former 170-pound champion Jack Della Maddalena, and Morales weighed in as the official backup at UFC 330.

With not much to go about, Ian Garry thinks that Prates will get the next title shot. Garry felt that Prates may not have the ability to stop the takedowns from Makhachev. However, the Brazilian is very aggressive on the feet, which makes him a threat to knockout the champion.

Can Carlos land that one punch to knock him out, or can Islam take him down and finish him? It’s tough. Right now, I feel like my heart is telling me that I think Carlos can get it done then we run it back again.

Ian Garry via Eze Talks Sports

Garry defeated Prates last year via decision. As such, Garry wants a rematch if Prates wins the title. Having lost the title fight recently, the Irish star knows what he has to do in order to get back into the title picture.

For me there’s only one fight that makes sense right now, and that’s Michael Morales, when I beat him I’m the only one who deserves a title shot. I go out there and I finish Michael Morales, get my hand raised, it’s undeniable that I’m right back up there for a title shot.

Ian Garry via Eze Talks Sports

Michael Morales is undefeated in his MMA career, and many believe that he has the potential to become the champion one day. The Ecuadorian star has shown excellent anti-grappling skills and can land a knockout punch on the feet. These skills make him the most dangerous welterweight contender.

It could also be the reason why Garry wants to fight Morales. After all, the Irish star is no stranger to taking on tough matchups in his career. He fought Shavkat Rakhmonov on short-notice at UFC 310. His bout against Prates was also short-notice, showing his fearless nature.

Fans are in for a treat if the promotion decides to book Makhachev vs Prates and Garry vs Morales in the coming months to keep the welterweight division moving.

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Ian Garry talks mindset after losing to Islam Makhachev

MMA fans know that Ian Garry will not shy away from speaking what’s on his mind at all times. Win, lose or draw, the Irish star knows exactly what he wants to do next. There are cases of fighters mentally getting affected after losing a bout.

Islam Makhachev and Ian Garry
Islam Makhachev and Ian Garry (Image via Bleacher Report/talkSPORT)

Jack Della Maddalena and Belal Muhammad are the perfect examples from the welterweight division. They are both on a losing streak at the moment after losing decisive title fights. However, Ian Garry is keeping a positive mindset despite his loss to Islam Makhachev.

I was more dangerous on the feet. I was able to stop his grappling. I felt like I did everything well. But at the end of the day, he did what he needed to do to win the fight in the last moment of the last round. I’m so young in this sport. I have the whole world at my feet. I just gotta keep going and keep a positive mindset

Ian Garry via Eze Talks Sports

At this point, Garry will likely return by the end of the year or early next year. Meanwhile, Makhachev is taking a short break after defending the title last month. The future of the welterweight division is exciting as long as the top contenders remain active enough to dethrone the champion.

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