In a thrilling main event at UFC Kansas City on April 26, 2025, Ian Machado Garry claimed victory over Carlos Prates by unanimous decision, with judges scoring the bout 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46. The fight was a showcase of skill, speed, and strategy, demonstrating why Garry is currently ranked seventh in the welterweight division.
Garry, stepping in on short notice with just 25 days to prepare after replacing Geoff Neal, displayed remarkable resilience and technique, bouncing back from a previous loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov. This latest win marks his ninth victory in ten UFC fights, solidifying his status as a rising star in the octagon.
On the other hand, Carlos Prates, ranked 13th and riding a four-fight win streak, faced his first defeat in the UFC, a significant setback for his team, Fighting Nerds, which now holds a record of 14-1. The Brazilian fighter entered the match looking to establish himself as a contender for the welterweight title, but Garry’s performance proved too much to handle.
The bout began cautiously, with both fighters sizing each other up in the first round. Garry initiated the action with low kicks and a series of jabs, while Prates sought to find his rhythm. In the final seconds of the round, Garry took Prates down and landed effective ground and pound, setting the tone for the fight.
As the second round unfolded, Garry increased his volume of strikes, utilizing his reach advantage effectively. He landed a high kick and followed up with a flurry of punches that kept Prates on the defensive. The Irishman's ability to control the distance was evident, as he consistently thwarted Prates’ attempts to close the gap.
In the third round, Garry continued to press his advantage, landing a clean uppercut that visibly shook Prates. Notably, Garry became the first fighter to successfully take Prates down in the UFC, showcasing his grappling prowess alongside his striking.
However, Prates was not to be counted out. In the fourth round, he landed a significant punch that opened a cut on Garry’s nose, demonstrating his striking power and resilience. As the round progressed, Prates began to find his rhythm, landing several solid shots that rallied the crowd and reignited his hopes of a comeback.
The final round was a nail-biter, with Prates coming out aggressively, throwing powerful punches and knees, hoping to secure a miraculous finish. Garry, feeling the pressure, attempted to take the fight to the ground to manage the clock, but Prates countered effectively, reversing positions and landing strikes of his own.
Despite Prates’ late surge, Garry’s earlier dominance across the rounds ultimately earned him the decision victory. “I wasn’t that hurt; I was aware. I know how dangerous he is. He’s Brazilian, my soul is Brazilian. I was in control, wanted to be smart,” Garry said in the octagon after his win. “This guy is a legend. I told everyone what I was going to do, and I did exactly that. My goal is to show that I’m one of the most willing fighters that ever existed. I’m going to Canada, and I’ll be the backup for the title fight. Let’s go!”
The event also marked a bittersweet farewell for Anthony Smith, who announced his retirement following a technical knockout loss to Mingyang Zhang in the first round. Smith, 36, had previously challenged for the title in 2019 but could not withstand the onslaught from the Chinese fighter, who has now won all three of his UFC bouts.
In the co-main event, Abus Magomedov defeated Michel Pereira by unanimous decision, showcasing effective striking and control throughout the fight. Pereira struggled to find his footing, and Magomedov capitalized on this to secure a decisive victory.
Ikram Aliskerov also made headlines, defeating André Sergipano by technical knockout in the first round, while Randy Brown knocked out Nicolas Dalby in the second round. The night featured several other notable performances, including a submission victory for Jaqueline Amorim over Polyana Viana in the prelims.
Overall, UFC Kansas City delivered an action-packed night of fights, with Garry’s victory standing out as a highlight. As the welterweight division continues to heat up, fans will eagerly await what’s next for both Garry and Prates in their respective journeys.
