“He thinks I’m easier than Ian Garry”: Carlos Prates sends stern warning to Islam Makhachev ahead of possible UFC clash

Brazilian MMA fighter Carlos Prates has made it clear that he does not want to be seen as an easy opponent. Especially for UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev. The rising welterweight contender recently shared his thoughts on a possible fight against the Dagestani star. Prates believes many people may underestimate him because of his previous loss to Ian Garry. However, the Brazilian fighter said that result does not show how much he has improved since then.Prates also pointed to his ability to survive against strong grapplers in the division. The Brazilian explained that even top-level fighters like Leon Edwards and Jack Della Maddalena could not fully control him on the ground. He believes this could become an important factor if he eventually faces Makhachev inside the octagon.Carlos Prates confidently stated that Islam Makhachev may think he is a simpler matchup compared to Ian Garry because Garry previously defeated him. Still, the Brazilian fighter insisted that he has evolved a lot since that fight and is now a completely different athlete inside the cage.Prates explained that several high-level opponents have managed to take him down during fights, but none of them were able to keep him controlled on the mat for long periods. He said both Leon Edwards and Jack Della Maddalena succeeded in getting him to the ground, yet he repeatedly escaped and brought the contest back to striking exchanges.The Brazilian suggested that this ability to quickly stand back up could become his biggest weapon against Makhachev. Makhachev is widely known for his elite wrestling, strong top pressure, and ability to dominate opponents on the canvas. Prates, however, believes he has the physical strength and movement needed to resist that style.In his revised comments, Prates said that Makhachev may underestimate him because of past results, but he is ready to prove he belongs among the division’s elite fighters. He also added that previous opponents failed to keep him pinned down, and now he is interested to see whether the UFC champion can do any better.Prates comes into this discussion with strong momentum after defeating Jack Della Maddalena by third-round TKO in his most recent appearance. That impressive victory strengthened his position in the welterweight rankings and increased calls for him to face bigger names in the division.