Ian Machado Garry has received an unlikely vote of confidence ahead of the biggest fight of his career, with one of his former opponents predicting that he will pull off a major upset at UFC 330.
Carlos Prates knows exactly what Garry brings to the Octagon. The two welterweights shared the cage in April 2025, with Garry using his movement, distance management, and precision striking to outwork Prates over five rounds and hand him the lone UFC loss of his career.
Now, with “The Future” preparing to challenge Islam Makhachev for the UFC welterweight title this Saturday, “The Nightmare” believes his former opponent will once again hear the judges’ decision go his way.
UFC 330, Ian Garry is gonna beat Islam Makhachev by decision,” Prates said during an interview at the UFC’s Meta APEX. “I don’t know unanimous decision or split decision. But it’s going to be a decision.
Prates has plenty of reason to believe in Garry’s chances. The Brazilian experienced his style firsthand, although Garry began to fade late in their fight after controlling much of the opening three rounds.
Since that defeat, “The Nightmare” has rebuilt his momentum in spectacular fashion. He has won three consecutive fights, stopping Geoff Neal, former champions Leon Edwards, and Jack Della Maddalena, with each victory earning him a post-fight bonus.
Prates is now hoping to earn his own title opportunity and has previously suggested that he expects to be next in line for the winner.
The Brazilian’s prediction remains significant, given the betting picture. Garry enters UFC 330 as a sizable underdog at +270, while Makhachev is listed around -350.
