Carlos Prates asserts that he is the bigger draw in his upcoming fight against higher-ranked opponent Ian Machado Garry.
After a sensational start to his UFC career with four consecutive knockouts in 2024, Carlos Prates, known as ‘The Fighting Nerd,’ finds himself headlining his second event in a row, this time against Ian Machado Garry.
Prates secured a notable victory against experienced contender Neil Magny at UFC Vegas 100 last November, boosting his ranking.
Now, the 31-year-old is set to headline UFC Kansas City this Saturday at the T-Mobile Center. The Fight Night card will also feature other prominent fighters such as Michel Pereira, Anthony Smith, and Giga Chikadze.
Coming off a loss in a title eliminator bout against Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310, this main event opportunity marks Machado Garry’s first in his 10-fight UFC career.
Carlos Prates Deems Ian Machado Garry Too ‘Unexciting’ to Headline Events Alone
Examining Machado Garry`s record of 15 wins and 1 loss, Prates suggests he is unimpressed by the approach of the composed striker.
Machado Garry has finished 38% of his UFC fights, with five bouts going to decision, including controversial decision wins against notable fighters like Geoff Neal and Michael ‘Venom’ Page.
In contrast to his own perfect knockout rate, Carlos Prates argues that the ‘unexciting’ Machado Garry is only in the main event spotlight this weekend because of Prates himself.
“I’ve been with the company for just a year,” Prates stated in an interview with MMA Hoje.
“And already I have two main events and four knockout bonuses…”
“This guy has been in the UFC for four years and hasn’t earned a single bonus in his entire career. Just a series of decisions, really boring fights,” Prates commented on Machado Garry’s record.
“If he’s in the main event today, it’s because I chose to fight him. I was the one who said I wanted to fight him.”
Carlos Prates: ‘You Will Leave with a Loss, But a Hefty Paycheck’
Machado Garry has only one bonus in the UFC, earned for his headkick knockout of Daniel Rodriguez in 2023.
The Irish fighter has the chance to earn another $50,000 bonus if he can finish Prates, who has appeared dominant in his recent UFC performances.
Machado Garry accepted this fight against Prates on short notice and has been verbally critical of the Brazilian on social media, calling him a ‘quitter’ and a fake fighter.
Prates, who has since responded to these remarks, believes Machado Garry will earn significantly more money due to this short-notice fight opportunity and will be grateful after Prates defeats him on Saturday.
“You’re going to make good money,” Prates remarked about his upcoming opponent.
“After he wakes up, he’ll have to say: ‘Thank you Carlos Prates, you helped me make good money…’”
“You will go out with a defeat but with a full pocket,” Prates concluded.
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