Carlos Prates is hoping Ian Machado Garry can get the job done against Islam Makhachev at UFC 330 this Saturday.
Garry will face Makhachev in the main event, with the Irishman looking to dethrone the Dagestani champion and capture the UFC welterweight title. Garry earned his long-awaited title opportunity after defeating Prates, but the Brazilian remains eager for a chance to avenge that loss.
Speaking with Daniel Cormier this week, Prates admitted that the defeat still bothers him and said he would prefer Garry to win because he believes that could set up a rematch between the two.
“Bro, that loss to Ian, it still hurts me a little bit, you know? It's still a little bit painful, you know?” Prates said.
“Well, I hate to lose. I'm a really bad loser, you know? I stopped to play soccer and, like, collective sports because when you lose, I fight. Like, usually I fight somebody or something like that because I hate to lose. So that loss for me is still a little bit painful. So I think me and Ian, we still have some business to do.”
Prates acknowledged that either Makhachev or Garry winning would have significance for his career, but his personal preference is clear.
“They both would be good, you know? For the legacy, Makhachev is great, you know? Like, he's a former double champ. Just won loss, a (long) winning streak. But for me personally, I prefer Ian.”
A Garry victory would not only give Prates the result he wants, but potentially put the Brazilian in position for another opportunity against the man who handed him a loss. With both fighters having unfinished business in Prates’ eyes, the UFC 330 main event could have major implications for what comes next in the welterweight division.
