Garry says Carlos Prates deserves next welterweight title shot if he beats Makhachev

Ian Machado Garry told reporters at UFC 330 media day that he believes only one contender has earned a title opportunity if he defeats Islam Makhachev. Garry said, "There is only one person who has earned or deserves the title shot after this fight and it’s Carlos Prates. All the other guys haven’t done enough." He added that Prates has earned the chance by winning two recent fights against opponents who had never been finished, and that the other division members need at least one more victory. Garry also mentioned Shavkat Rakhmonov, noting his past win over "The Future" and expressing goodwill for his recovery, while asserting that Rakhmonov would face Garry upon his return. Garry acknowledged the possibility of an immediate rematch with Makhachev, saying the decision would depend on how the first fight unfolds. He said, "If I go out there and scalp him in two minutes, do you want to see me fight him again straight away? ... If we have a back-and-forth war like he had with Alexander Volkanovski, it probably would warrant a rematch." The Irish welterweight said his focus remains on winning the Saturday bout before considering any subsequent match-ups.