Carlos Prates has backed former opponent Ian Machado Garry to defeat Islam Makhachev by decision when the pair meet for the UFC welterweight title at UFC 330.
Makhachev (28-1) is set to make the first defence of his welterweight championship against Garry (17-1) in the main event on August 15 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. Despite Makhachev entering the contest as a -330 favourite, Prates believes the Irish challenger will bring the champion’s winning streak to an end.
“UFC 330, Ian Garry is gonna beat Islam Makhachev by decision,” said Prates in a recent interview while attending UFC Vegas 120, according to Sherdog.
“I don’t know unanimous decision or split decision. But it’s going to be a decision,” Prates added.
Prates has first-hand experience of Garry’s abilities after losing to the former Cage Warriors champion in a closely contested five-round bout last year. Garry will now attempt to hand Makhachev the second defeat of his professional career and claim the UFC welterweight championship in Philadelphia. Prates (24-7), meanwhile, has responded to his defeat against Garry with a run of knockout victories, stopping Geoff Neal, Leon Edwards and Jack Della Maddalena to rise to the number one position in the UFC welterweight rankings.
