Carlos Prates names preferred opponent if title shot isn’t next

Carlos Prates has solidified his status as a legitimate welterweight title contender following a dominant victory over former champion Jack Della Maddalena at UFC Perth earlier this month. However, with a title shot seemingly not immediate, the fighter has named Michael Morales as a fallback opponent if the UFC declines to fast-track him to championship gold. Prates believes Ian Garry—a fighter who previously defeated him—will challenge Islam Makhachev for the welterweight title next, likely at UFC 330 on August 15 in Philadelphia. If that matchup materializes, Prates is willing to wait for the winner, confident a title shot will follow. That timeline could push Prates' championship opportunity into 2025, which is why he's prepared to stay active with Morales rather than sit idle. Prates' decisive demolition of Della Maddalena has positioned him squarely in the title conversation, though the promotion's plans for Makhachev will ultimately dictate when he gets his shot.