Charles Oliveira: Ian Garry gave Prates the blueprint against Makhachev
The Brazilian believes Carlos Prates can beat welterweight champion Islam Makhachev in their expected title fight – with kicks to the ribs and calves.
Archive image · Photo: Renan Silva / Wikimedia Commons, CC0 (cropped and resized)
Charles Oliveira likes Carlos Prates' chances in his expected title fight against Islam Makhachev. "I think Garry showed Prates the blueprint," Oliveira told Sherdog. Makhachev went the distance with Ian Garry in his first welterweight title defence, and according to Sherdog the Irishman enjoyed moments of success.
"I usually say these matchups will be close, but this time, I believe Prates has a real chance to win," Oliveira said. Beyond being a sniper, Prates has knockout power and a black belt in jiu-jitsu, he added. If Prates lands kicks to the ribs and calves like Garry did, he could catch the champion off guard. If Makhachev does not finish him in the first two rounds and Prates stays composed, he has "everything he needs to win."
Prates has finished all seven of his UFC victories and, according to Sherdog, is expected to challenge for the welterweight title next year. No date for the fight has been officially set.