Ian Machado Garry dominated Carlos Prates with superior movement and striking, ultimately winning by unanimous decision despite a late scare in the final round.
Ian Machado Garry faced a late scare but ultimately delivered a masterclass performance in the UFC Kansas City main event against Carlos Prates. His superior movement and striking kept Prates guessing, outworking him on the feet. Garry’s takedowns disrupted Prates’ rhythm until the final moments.
Prates landed some damaging shots, including ground and pound in the last round, but it was too late. Judges scored it 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46, granting Garry a unanimous decision victory.
“I know how dangerous that man is,” Garry said, respecting Prates. “He’s Brazilian — half of my soul is Brazilian. I want to see all these Brazilians go to the top, and that man hits like a truck.”
Garry used movement to dodge Prates’ power shots, throwing high kicks to distract his opponent. A slip from Prates led to a nasty punch from Garry, opening a cut under his eye.
As Garry settled into his rhythm, Prates struggled to produce offense. Garry picked his shots, landing a hard right hand and a clean inside elbow.
Prates started throwing his signature kicks in the third round, but Garry remained in control. A nasty uppercut snapped Prates’ head back, leading to a brief takedown.
Garry mixed in takedowns to wear Prates down, throwing combinations while Prates fired back single shots. Prates landed a stiff punch in the fourth round, briefly wobbling Garry.
Prates reversed a takedown attempt, hammering away with power punches, but Garry stayed elusive. “I was in control,” Garry said. “I wanted to be smart and safe.”
This win puts Garry back on track after losing to Shavkat Rakhmonov. He’s eyeing a trip to Montreal to watch the UFC 315 main event between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena.
“This is what’s next for me,” Garry shouted. “I’m the official backup for the world title fight. I’m next in line for that world title!”