Carlos Prates is making a strong case for why he should leapfrog Ian Machado Garry in the race for a UFC title shot. After a dominant performance at UFC Perth, the Brazilian welterweight believes he's earned the right to face Islam Makhachev next.

Fighting in enemy territory, Prates traveled to Australia and took on Jack Della Maddalena, a former champion. From the opening bell, Prates looked sharp and focused. He broke through in the third round with a knockout that sent the sold-out RAC Arena into stunned silence, extending his win streak to three impressive victories.

But there's a twist in the title picture. Ian Machado Garry, the only man to defeat Prates in the UFC, is being heavily rumored as Makhachev's next opponent—potentially for UFC 330 this August. Prates, however, isn't buying it.

"I should be next," Prates declared at his post-fight press conference in Perth. "Nobody beat two former champs in a really good way, you know? They had never lost by knockout, and then I come in there and make it look easy."

Prates' argument carries weight. He lost to Garry in Kansas City just over a year ago, but has since rebuilt his momentum in explosive fashion. Before dismantling Della Maddalena, he knocked out Leon Edwards at UFC 322 last November. That's two former champions finished—both for the first time in their careers.

Meanwhile, Garry is also making his case for a title shot, riding wins over Prates and former champion Belal Muhammad in 2025. Recent reports suggest the Irishman is the frontrunner to face Makhachev at UFC 330. But Prates hopes his emphatic performance Down Under will be enough to change the UFC's mind.

For fight fans, this welterweight title picture just got a lot more interesting. Will the UFC reward Prates' knockout streak, or stick with the man who already beat him? The answer could shape the division for months to come.