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Carlos Prates Trains as Backup for Makhachev vs. Machado Garry Title Fight
UFC welterweight Carlos Prates is preparing to step in if Islam Makhachev cannot face Ian Machado Garry on August 15, 2026.
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Carlos Prates is training to serve as backup for a scheduled UFC welterweight title fight between champion Islam Makhachev and challenger Ian Machado Garry. Prates told Eurosport UFC that he plans to begin a dedicated fight camp after training sessions in the Netherlands and Hungary, with the goal of being ready on August 15, 2026.
Makhachev has not competed since November 2025, when he defeated Jack Della Maddalena to win the welterweight belt.
Prates said Makhachev stated his next bout would likely come in August against Machado Garry, who received the title shot call in April 2026. Prates holds the number-two ranking in the division. He said the UFC has not contacted him yet but that he expects a call if either fighter withdraws.
“I heard people saying that fight is gonna happen on August 15,” Prates told Eurosport UFC. ” “I didn’t talk to the UFC (yet) but I’m number two in the rankings, they’re gonna call me if something happens… Whenever they call me, especially if it’s for the belt, I’ll be ready,” he added.
Makhachev has expressed a preference to face Prates next, even though Machado Garry is the number-one contender.
Machado Garry holds a prior win over Prates. com reported the details of Prates’ comments and training plans.
