Ian Garry Reveals Next Career Move After Defeating Islam Makhachev

Islam Makhachev and Ian Garry (Image Credits: Imagn)

Ian Garry Reveals Next Career Move After Defeating Islam Makhachev

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Pavan Sharma | Last updated May 2, 2026 2:37 PM ET

Carlos Prates just dismantled the former welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena in Perth. Subsequently, he called for Islam Makhachev’s title. And Ian Garry watched it happen and immediately scheduled his own place in whatever comes after. The rematch callout from Garry arrived with a specific condition attached.

After UFC Perth’s main event, Garry posted on X saying he wants Prates next after Makhachev’s potential future fight. The confidence in that framing is notable given that Makhachev is currently considered the best fighter on the planet across two divisions. But the Irishman has never been accused of underselling his own prospects, regardless of the opposition involved.

“Carlos after I beat Islam – You and I in Brazil let’s do it,” Garry wrote.

Carlos after I beat Islam – You and I in Brazil let’s do it!
— “The Future” Ian Machado Garry (@iangarryMMA) May 2, 2026

Taking the rematch to Carlos Prates’ home country instead of neutral ground can be seen in two ways. It could be real respect, or a confident move from ‘Machado’ to show that the result will not change. It may be both at the same time. The rematch is already written. It just needs the Makhachev fight to happen first.

Carlos Prates Hints Ian Garry vs. Islam Makhachev for UFC 330

Prates just handed out the most generous possible endorsement of Garry. Simultaneously, he puts himself on the guest list for what could be one of the biggest welterweight title fights the UFC has staged in years. As per him, the Irishman will challenge Makhachev for the title at UFC 330.

“I hope he beats Islam. It’s a hard fight, but he has some skills to beat Islam. I’ll be there watching, the fight is 2 days before my birthday, so I’m gonna ask the UFC to bring me,” Prates said.

Carlos Prates hints Ian Machado Garry and Islam Makhachev will headline UFC 330 in Philadelphia

“I hope he beats Islam, it’s a hard fight but he has some skills to beat Islam. I’ll be there watching, the fight is 2 days before my birthday so I’m gonna ask the UFC to bring me” pic.twitter.com/UrpIZyLLf9
— FULL SEND MMA (@full_send_mma) May 2, 2026

Prates called for the title after Perth. Garry called for Prates after Islam. Now, ‘the Nightmare’ is hoping Garry wins and asking for a birthday seat at the fight. The welterweight division is telling its own story, and everyone involved seems to know their role in it.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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