Carlos Prates hopes UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria is still interested in moving up after he fulfills his goal.
Prates (24-7 MMA, 7-1 UFC) entered the title conversation after putting on a striking masterclass against ex-champion Jack Della Maddalena at UFC Fight Night 275 earlier this month to score his third straight knockout win.
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UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev is expected to defend his title against Ian Machado Garry next, and Prates is confident he gets the winner.
“I don’t think they’re going to do a rematch if Makhachev loses,” Prates said on “The Ariel Helwani Show.” “I talked with the UFC after my fight. Of course, we talked about some things I cannot say, but I really think I’ll be next, no matter who gets the win between Islam and Ian Garry. I will be next.”
With his sights set on Makhachev, Topuria (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) could decide to chase after the 170-pound title should he get past Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250. That would mean a potentially longer wait for Prates, but the Brazilian rising star isn’t worried.
“No, I think he’s still going to fight at 155,” Prates said of Topuria.
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If Prates himself is able to claim the UFC welterweight title, he hopes Topuria would still have his sights set on moving up a division.
“I’m thinking about to get the belt and then maybe asking Topuria if he wants to come to 170,” Prates added. “Let’s do this. Let’s dance. It’s a super fight, a money fight.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Carlos Prates welcomes ‘money fight’ with Ilia Topuria at welterweight
