TLDR
- Charles Oliveira believes Carlos Prates can defeat UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev
- Oliveira says Ian Garry exposed weaknesses during Makhachev’s recent title defense
- Prates has finished all seven of his UFC victories and holds a 24-7 professional record
- Oliveira defends his BMF title against Diego Lopes at UFC 335 on December 12
- No official date set for potential Prates vs. Makhachev championship bout
Sources: sherdog.com | themaclife.com | combatpress.com
Charles Oliveira believes Carlos Prates has what it takes to defeat UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev, citing weaknesses exposed in the champion’s recent title defense. The former lightweight champion points to Ian Garry’s performance as a roadmap for Prates to follow.
Prates is expected to challenge for the 170-pound championship sometime in 2027. Oliveira, who has fought Makhachev himself, trains alongside Garry and watched closely as the Irishman found success against the Russian champion.
Charles Oliveira believes a win over Diego Lopes earns him a title shot:
"I think [Arman] fights for the title, but Charles Oliveira sells a lot. A win over Diego Lopes definitely earns
me a title shot.But there are several scenarios. If Justin retires, Charles Oliveira… pic.twitter.com/vu6STueAq8
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 14, 2026
Blueprint for Victory
Makhachev went the distance against Garry in his first welterweight title defense, with Garry landing effective kicks to the body and legs. Oliveira believes Prates can build on those moments and add his own finishing power to the strategy.
“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.”
The BMF champion praised Prates’ combination of striking accuracy and grappling skills. “Beyond being a sniper, he possesses knockout power and is a black belt in jiu-jitsu,” Oliveira said.
Oliveira outlined a specific path to victory for his fellow Brazilian. “If he lands those kicks to the ribs and calves, just like Garry did, he could catch the champion off guard,” he explained.
The key, according to Oliveira, is surviving the early rounds. “If Islam doesn’t secure a finish in the first or second round and Prates maintains the composure he’s shown in his recent fights, he has everything he needs to win,” he said.
Perfect UFC Record
Prates brings an impressive UFC resume into the potential title fight. The Brazilian holds a professional record of 24-7 and has finished all seven of his UFC victories without going to a decision.
Makhachev currently holds a 29-1 professional record. He has defended his welterweight championship once since moving up from lightweight, where he previously held the title.
Oliveira will defend his BMF championship against Diego Lopes at UFC 335 on December 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The former lightweight champion holds a record of 37-11 with one no contest.
Lopes will move up from featherweight for his lightweight debut. The Mexican-based Brazilian has a record of 28-8 and has earned a reputation for exciting fights with wins over Brian Ortega, Jean Silva, and Steve Garcia.
Oliveira holds multiple UFC records including most finishes with 21 and most submissions with 17. He is tied for the most post-fight bonuses in UFC history with 21.
The UFC 335 co-main event features Alex Pereira moving to heavyweight to face Sergei Pavlovich. Pereira has previously held championships at middleweight and light heavyweight.
No official date has been announced for a potential championship bout between Prates and Makhachev. Prates is expected to be among the leading contenders for the welterweight title in 2027.
