In the main event of UFC Kansas City, Ian Machado Garry delivered a masterful five-round performance to defeat Carlos Prates, successfully fending off a brief late rally.
Garry controlled much of the fight with superior movement and striking, keeping Prates off balance and outworking him standing. Strategic takedowns were also employed, disrupting Prates` rhythm until the final moments.
It was late in the fight when Prates managed to land some significant strikes, including effective ground and pound in the last round. However, this late surge wasn`t enough. The judges unanimously scored the bout 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46 in favor of Garry, awarding him the decision victory.
Post-fight, Garry commented on Prates, stating, “I know how dangerous that man is. I have nothing but respect for him. I said it to him after the fight, he’s Brazilian — half of my soul is Brazilian. My name is Machado Garry. I want to see all these Brazilians go to the top and that man hits like a truck.”
Garry utilized extensive movement to evade Prates` powerful strikes while also frequently attacking with right high kicks, aiming to neutralize Prates` dangerous left hand. A notable moment occurred near the end of the first round when Prates slipped; Garry quickly capitalized with a hard punch that caused a small cut below Prates` eye.
As Garry found his rhythm and grew more comfortable trading strikes, Prates struggled to generate significant offense. His relative inactivity allowed Garry to effectively select his attacks, landing clean shots like a strong right hand and an inside elbow.
Garry`s performance standing was clinical; he consistently kept Prates uncertain, occasionally adding takedown attempts. Prates began throwing his signature kicks deeper into the third round, but they lacked the impact needed to disrupt Garry`s control.
Continuing his attack, Garry landed a sharp uppercut that visibly snapped Prates` head back. Garry followed up, briefly securing a takedown, but the grappling exchange was short-lived, and the fighters quickly returned to striking range.
Garry interspersed further takedown attempts, seemingly aiming to fatigue Prates. Garry maintained a high pace, connecting with fluid three and four-strike combinations, whereas Prates primarily responded with single strikes.
Late in the fourth round, Prates landed a solid punch that clearly affected Garry. He seemed momentarily stunned, prompting Prates to aggressively pursue a finish.
This late offense included reversing a takedown attempt and delivering powerful ground and pound. However, Garry defended well as the round ended. Garry later claimed he was not in significant danger, though acknowledging the knockout threat Prates posed.
Garry reflected on the moment, stating, “I was completely in control. I just wanted to be smart and safe and not do something stupid because that can happen in these types of fights. The guy’s a legend. I appreciate him. He’s been on a tear but I told everyone what I was going to do, I was going to outclass him and I believe I did that.”
This victory marks a return to form for Garry following a tough loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov in a contender`s bout last December. He hopes this win solidifies his position in the division and plans to attend UFC 315 in Montreal to closely watch the main event between champion Belal Muhammad and challenger Jack Della Maddalena.
Garry emphatically declared his intentions, shouting, “This is what’s next for me. 21 days’ notice against Shavkat [Rakhmonov]. 25 days’ notice against this man tonight. He’s a beast. Well, in two weeks’ time, I’m flying to Canada. I’m the official backup for the world title fight and I’m next in line for that world title!”
