Islam Makhachev has plenty of options on the table, despite recent buzz pointing to Ian Machado Garry as his next opponent. The UFC lightweight champion is keeping fans guessing, and he's not shy about naming a more intriguing possibility.

While many assumed a welterweight title showdown with Machado Garry was all but locked in, Makhachev (28-1 MMA, 17-1 UFC) says he hasn't heard a word from UFC officials about that fight. In a recent interview with Red Corner MMA, the Dagestani star revealed he's actually considering several challengers—and one name stands out above the rest after Saturday's UFC Fight Night 275.

"The UFC haven't informed me about it yet," Makhachev said. "But there's been a lot of rumors about me fighting Ian Garry next. Yet I haven't talked with any UFC officials about this fight. So I can't tell for sure who is the next contender. I've got three to four more possible matchups. Kamaru Usman is also up there. Ian Garry, (Michael) Morales, Prates. Four of them. Plus, Shavkat (Rakhmanov) might be No. 5. They're all expecting a title shot. I definitely need to fight someone, whoever the UFC puts me up against."

That "more interesting option"? It's Carlos Prates, who delivered a statement performance at UFC Fight Night 275 by dismantling former champion Jack Della Maddalena with a third-round TKO in Perth, Western Australia. Makhachev was clearly impressed, noting how Prates has captured the hype train recently.

"I think Prates has got the hype now. He's talked much more about now. So I think a fight with him would be the most interesting," Makhachev said, adding that Della Maddalena seemed off his game compared to their own November clash. "Apparently, Maddalena could not collect himself. Maybe he hasn't fully recovered from the last defeat. He couldn't find his range. I have studied his fights a lot. Before we fought, he gets close, changes levels, and throws. But this time around, he just got close and took shots. Carlos Prates did an excellent job."

For now, Makhachev remains patient, knowing the UFC will make the call. Whether it's Garry, Prates, or another contender, the champion is ready—and fans have plenty to debate until the next announcement drops.