UFC's Makhachev Faces Contender Race Amid Garry Controversy
In the high-stakes world of UFC's lightweight division, Islam Makhachev remains the undisputed king, but the path to challenging him is fraught with drama, skill, and unexpected twists. As 2026 unfolds, rising stars like Carlos Prates are positioning themselves as serious threats, all while navigating the personal controversies that often shadow the sport. A recent Q&A session at UFC 325 in Sydney, Australia, highlighted this tension when Prates faced an inappropriate question about fellow fighter Ian Garry's family, responding with poise that underscores the respect MMA demands outside the octagon.
The Race to Face Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev, the Dagestani sensation and protégé of Khabib Nurmagomedov, has solidified his legacy as UFC lightweight champion with dominant performances. His most recent defense came against a top contender, leaving fans eager for what's next. With welterweight crossovers and lightweight shake-ups in play, the division is buzzing. Contenders like Kamaru Usman, the former welterweight kingpin looking to reclaim glory, and Michael Morales, the undefeated phenom, are circling. But it's Carlos Prates, the Brazilian knockout artist known as 'The Nightmare,' who's capturing headlines for both his fists and his fortitude.
Prates' trajectory has been meteoric. After a tactical loss to Ian Garry at UFC on ESPN 66 last spring, he rebounded spectacularly. Victories over Geoff Neal and former champion Leon Edwards showcased his explosive striking and resilience, propelling him into title contention talks. Analysts see Prates as a stylistic nightmare for Makhachev—his power could test the champion's legendary grappling in ways few have. As UFC eyes international expansion, a Prates-Makhachev clash could headline a massive Australian card, capitalizing on the region's passionate fanbase.
Prates' Path: From Setback to Statement Wins
The bout against Garry was a chess match, with the Irish striker dictating early rounds through superior footwork and fight IQ. Prates, however, ramped up the pressure late, landing heavy shots that had fans on edge. Though he fell short, it was a learning curve that fueled his comeback. Beating Neal in a war of attrition and then toppling Edwards with a highlight-reel finish, Prates has gone 2-0 since, earning praise from coaches and peers alike. 'He's the real deal,' said UFC commentator Jon Anik post-fight. 'Makhachev would have to be at his absolute best.'
The Inappropriate Question at UFC 325 Sydney
UFC 325 marked the promotion's return to Australia, drawing massive crowds to Sydney's iconic venues. Ahead of the fights, Carlos Prates joined Joshua Van and Jon Anik for a fan Q&A, promoting the event's electric atmosphere. The session was light-hearted until a fan lobbed a crude query at Prates: 'How many times do you reckon you’ve f***ked Ian Garry’s wife?' The room fell silent as Prates processed the shock, confirmed by his co-panelists.
Drawing from his cultural roots, Prates responded with class and conviction. 'Bro, I know I’m the kind of guy where I come from, you cannot say bad things about the wife of somebody, you know? Like family, you know. But… yeah. Yeah. They literally can kill you if you say something about their family, you know? But it is what it is,' he said, emphasizing respect for family in Brazilian culture. He clarified no personal grudge exists with Garry—their rivalry is purely professional, confined to the octagon.
Ian Garry's Ongoing Controversies
Ian Garry, the welterweight prodigy from Ireland, has long been a lightning rod. His marriage to Layla Machado Garry, a former MMA coach, thrust them into the spotlight as MMA's glamorous power couple. But scrutiny intensified with Layla's 2018 book, How to Be a WAG, a tongue-in-cheek guide to dating athletes that drew satirical backlash online. The 14-year age gap fueled memes, and things escalated when Dillon Danis leaked old DMs from Layla, sparking widespread criticism.
Colby Covington amplified the noise in 2024, tweeting provocatively: 'How many of you guys have f–ked Ian Garry’s wife?' The jabs continued, even bleeding into international events like Garry's recent win over Belal Muhammad at UFC Fight Night in Doha, Qatar, on November 22, 2025. Garry's composed demeanor in the cage contrasts the external chaos, but it underscores how personal lives intersect with professional pursuits in MMA. Prates' response at UFC 325 served as a reminder: amid the trash talk, boundaries matter.
Implications for Makhachev's Reign
For Makhachev, the lightweight throne feels secure yet challenged. His grappling wizardry has dismantled elites, but strikers like Prates pose unique threats. Usman brings wrestling pedigree and experience, while Morales offers youthful aggression. A win over any could propel the victor to stardom, especially in markets like Australia, where UFC's growth is explosive. Dana White has hinted at big announcements for 2026, potentially pitting Makhachev against a welterweight invader for a superfight.
Prates' handling of the Garry incident boosts his stock beyond fighting prowess. In a sport rife with egos, his emphasis on respect resonates, drawing parallels to Makhachev's own disciplined ethos under Khabib's guidance. As the race intensifies, expect more drama— but also elite action. Will Prates secure the shot? Only time, and perhaps a Sydney rematch with Garry, will tell.
This blend of controversy and competition keeps UFC's lightweight division the sport's most captivating. Fans Down Under are primed for Makhachev's next defense, with Prates emerging as the dark horse ready to shake the division.
