Charles Oliveira says Ian Garry showed Carlos Prates the blueprint to beat Islam Makhachev
Oliveira, who trains with Garry, believes Prates's kicks to the ribs and calves could catch the welterweight champion off guard.
Charles Oliveira believes Ireland's Ian Garry showed Carlos Prates how to beat Islam Makhachev, and that Prates has a real chance of taking the UFC welterweight title.
"I think Garry showed Prates the blueprint," Oliveira told Sherdog. "I usually say these matchups will be close, but this time, I believe Prates has a real chance to win. Beyond being a sniper, he possesses knockout power and is a black belt in jiu-jitsu. If he lands those kicks to the ribs and calves, just like Garry did, he could catch the champion off guard."
Oliveira trains alongside Garry and has fought Makhachev himself. Garry went the distance with Makhachev in the champion's first welterweight title defence and had moments of success: Dana White on Ian Garry's fifth round against Islam Makhachev.
Prates, who has finished all seven of his UFC wins, is expected to challenge for the title next year.
Every UK fight result and what's next, every Friday. Get the free UK fight briefing
More MMA from Combat Sports UK
- Mike Malott puts win streak on the line against Joaquin Buckley in Edmonton
- Kayla Harrison hits back at Demetrious Johnson over his Amanda Nunes comments
- Movsar Evloev wants to beat Alexander Volkanovski over five rounds to prove 'he's not special'
- Muhammad Mokaev ends pursuit of UFC return and sees another promotion as best fit
The UK fight briefing
The stories, results and upcoming fights worth knowing. Every Friday.