In the main event of UFC Kansas City, `The Future`, Ian Machado Garry, secured a return to the win column. He defeated Carlos Prates in a fight where Garry started strong, managing to hold on despite a late rally from the Brazilian opponent.
This fight marked the first UFC defeat for Prates, who had built significant momentum after a breakthrough year in 2024. For Machado Garry, attention has already turned towards UFC 315, where he plans to be the backup fighter for the welterweight championship fight.
Before fully focusing on his next career steps and climbing the welterweight rankings, the 27-year-old Irishman took a moment to show respect to his opponent following their five-round clash at the T-Mobile Center.
Respect Shown Backstage Despite Previous Comments
Throughout his time in the UFC, Ian Machado Garry has become known for making controversial remarks about his opponents leading up to their fights. This was the case before the April 26 event, with Machado Garry making pointed claims that Carlos Prates was prone to quitting, referencing a past loss.
However, after the final bell, the dynamic shifted to mutual respect between the two fighters, which extended to the backstage area. Although Prates did not get the victory, his performance, especially his late surge after losing the first three rounds on all scorecards, demonstrated significant heart and capability at the highest level of the sport.
Machado Garry later posted a video online capturing the backstage exchange. He approached Prates, who was recovering, and acknowledged his opponent`s toughness, effectively retracting his earlier criticisms. Addressing Prates, Garry stated, “You are sinister. You have a very strong heart.”
Prates expressed his gratitude to Garry for taking the fight and suggested they might meet again in the future, potentially for a title. Machado Garry, speaking partly in Portuguese, extended an offer of support, stating he would come to Brazil to train with Prates if he ever needed help to reach the top, emphasizing his desire to see Brazilian fighters succeed. “100%. Dude, this, this hand has power. I want to say to you, if you want help to go to the top, I will come to Brazil (if) you need my help. Let’s go. You are Brazilian and I want all the Brazilians to go to the top.”
Focus Shifts to UFC 315 Backup Role
Prior to fight night in Kansas City, Ian Machado Garry had already indicated his intention to travel to Montreal for UFC 315. Following his win over Carlos Prates, he confirmed his plan to be present as the official backup fighter for the welterweight title fight between champion Belal Muhammad and challenger Jack Della Maddalena.
UFC President Dana White later confirmed that Garry would indeed serve in this backup capacity on May 10th, despite having taken some damage during his recent bout. After experiencing a loss earlier in the year that many analysts believed ultimately raised his profile, Machado Garry is clearly positioning himself back in contention for a title shot.
Rupert Hartwell 
Benedict Kingsley