Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight title holder
Islam Makhachov.
Prates is expected to challenge for the 170-pound championship next year. Oliveira, who has fought Makhachov, believes Prates’ striking power and openings exposed him Ian Garry
bodes well for “The Nightmare.”
Charles Oliveira believes Carlos Prates can take advantage of Islam Makhachov’s opening punches with jabs and punches
Makhachov went the distance against Garry in his first welterweight title defence, with the Irishman enjoying moments of success against the Russian. Oliveira, who trains with Garry, believes Prates can exploit the vulnerabilities exposed in the champion’s last fight.
“I think Garry showed Prates the blueprint,” Oliveira told Sherdog. “Normally I say these fights are going to be close, but this time I believe Pratesel has a real chance to win. Besides being a sniper, he also has knockout power and a black belt in jiu-jitsu. If he hits the ribs and calves like Garry did, he can hit the champion and Pratesel will get a second round win or defend the second round. He’s shown in his recent fights, he has what it takes to win.
Prates (24-7) has won all seven of his UFC victories. Meanwhile, Makhachov (29-1) has defended his welterweight championship once after moving up to lightweight.
