Machado Garry wins welterweight fight against Prates at UFC Fight Night.
In a thrilling UFC welterweight main event held in Kansas City, Ian Machado Garry showcased his fighting prowess by defeating Carlos Prates in a closely contested bout. The fight, which took place on April 26, 2025, concluded with Garry earning a unanimous decision victory, with the judges scoring the match 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46, ultimately ending Prates’s impressive unbeaten streak in the UFC.
From the outset, Garry demonstrated superior technical skills and strategic movement, utilizing feints and wrestling to keep Prates off balance throughout the fight. His agility and striking precision proved pivotal as he maintained control for the vast majority of the match. However, Prates mounted a significant challenge in the final moments, launching an aggressive attempt at a technical knockout. Despite a barrage of punches aimed at displacing his taller opponent, Garry exhibited notable resilience and composure, navigating the late onslaught with effective defensive maneuvers.
Post-fight, Garry expressed confidence in his performance, stating he remained unfazed during Prates’s desperate rally. Acknowledging the skill and dedication of his opponent and his team, The Fighting Nerds, Garry affirmed his respect for the sport and his commitment to continuous improvement.
Garry’s victory comes as he prepares for a potential role as the official backup fighter for the highly anticipated UFC 315 welterweight title bout scheduled for May 10, featuring champion Belal Muhammad and contender Jack Della Maddalena. This opportunity underscores Garry’s rising profile in the UFC and highlights his readiness to compete at the highest levels of the sport.
In the co-main event, Mingyang Zhang made headlines by defeating veteran fighter Anthony Smith via first-round TKO. This marked a bittersweet conclusion to Smith’s mixed martial arts career, which spanned several years and 25 appearances in the UFC. Smith reflected on his journey with pride, expressing gratitude for his experiences despite facing a difficult end to his career.
Saturday’s event was not only significant for the fighters involved, but it also marked a notable return of the UFC to Kansas City after a hiatus since April 2023. The excitement surrounding the event demonstrated the continued growth and popularity of mixed martial arts in the region.
As Garry looks forward to a bright future in the UFC, fans remain eager to witness the evolution of this athlete, along with other emerging talents in the sport.
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