Prates On Makhachev's UFC 330 Weaknesses

Carlos Prates believes Islam Makhachev showed exploitable weaknesses at UFC 330.

The top welterweight contender watched cageside as Makhachev retained his title against Ian Machado Garry earlier this month, and came away convinced the champion's game has holes he can expose. Speaking on Gilbert Burns' podcast, Prates said watching the fight boosted his confidence rather than dampening it.

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Prates Breaks Down Makhachev's Defensive Flaws

"Honestly, I think I got even more confident," Prates told Burns, per BJPenn.com. "Because of the stuff I've seen, and the time I have to train, I think it's possible I can [beat him]. Then I saw how Ian defended some positions as I do, with your back against the fence, and I said, 'Damn, I do that a lot'."

Prates pointed to Garry's height as a factor that complicated Makhachev's grappling setups, noting the Irishman successfully defended positions along the cage that the Brazilian contender also uses. He said Garry's frame made it difficult for the champion to secure hooks, and believes he can adapt similar defensive tactics.

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Prates closed with a warning for the pound-for-pound king. "I think this guy is screwed, man," he said. "I think I'll get a hold of him."

The bout could land in November or December, with Prates coming off wins over Leon Edwards and Jack Della Maddalena that positioned him as the division's clear next challenger.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Carlos Prates explains why Islam Makhachev’s UFC 330 performance makes him more confident in future fight