The main event of UFC Fight Night Kansas City featured a five-round welterweight showdown between Ian Machado Garry and Carlos Prates. The event was held on April 26 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, MO.
“The Future” outclassed Prates for the majority of the fight, but in the fifth round, the Brazilian landed several heavy shots that seemingly put Garry in trouble. The 27-year-old managed to survive the round and took home a unanimous decision victory.
The three judges scored the bout 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46 in favor of Garry.
MMA World Reacts to Ian Machado Garry’s Victory at UFC Kansas City
With the victory at UFC Kansas City, Garry made an impressive comeback after suffering his first professional MMA loss against Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 in December 2024.
In his post-fight Octagon interview, Garry praised his opponent and lauded his durability.
“If you let [Prates] get comfortable like he did against [Li Jingliang] or [Neil] Magny, he’ll put your s**t out,” said Garry. “I hit that man hard, and he just kept walking forward.”
Garry then shared his future plans, claiming himself to be the back-up fighter for the UFC 315 main event between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena.
“My entire goal in this game is to prove that I’m one of the most game fighters that’s ever existed. I’ve got the fighting Irish in my blood, in my soul. It’s my history. To all the Irish out there, I represent you every single time, and this is what’s next for me… In two weeks’ time, I’m flying to Canada. I’m the official back-up for the world title fight [between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena] and I’m next in line for that world title.”
Several MMA personalities took notice of Garry’s victory and shared their reactions on social media.
UFC Welterweight Champion Belal Muhammad claimed that he had correctly predicted the outcome of the fight: “Told you Garry’s IQ was gonna win this.”
Told you Gary’s iq was gonna win this
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) April 27, 2025
In another post, Muhammad commented on Garry’s celebration that seemingly taunted Prates’ smoking habit: “Aight that was a good cigarette taunt LOL.”
Meanwhile, Henry Cejudo expressed disbelief at the last round of the fight: “I can’t believe Prates didn’t finish Ian Garry in the last minute!!! Unbelievable.”
I can’t believe Prates didn’t finish Ian Garry in the last minute!!! Unbelievable 😬 #UFCKansasCity
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) April 27, 2025
Derek Brunson said, “Prates is definitely going to need a cigarette after that 1. Had Garry on the ropes late and didn’t push hard enough!”
Casey O’Neill shared a similar sentiment, saying: “If Carlos had unloaded just then he would have got the stoppage. Frustrating to see, but great fight IQ from Garry.”
Terrance McKinney commended Garry for the victory but also praised Prates’ punching power: “Good win by Garry but don’t get hit by Prates bro got heavy hands in every position f**k that s**t was wild at the end.”
Corey Anderson opined that the Brazilian needed to work on his fight IQ: “He’s gotta work on that fight IQ!! Had Garry hurt and open for the finish but gave him multiple opportunities just to get up and strike.”
Prates will always go down as a fan favorite. But he's gotta work on that fight IQ!! Had Garry hurt and open for the finish but gave him multiple opportunities just to get up and strike. Good performance by Garry tho!!#UFCKansasCity
— Corey 'Overtime' Anderson (@CoreyA_MMA) April 27, 2025
Saidyokub Kakhramonov criticized Prates’ lifestyle: “You can’t smoke weed or cigarettes, consume alcohol, and expect to become a world champion.”
You can’t smoke weed or cigarettes, consume alcohol, and expect to become a world champion. You might win a few fights, but reaching the top requires discipline, sacrifices, and missing birthdays, weddings, and holidays while constantly growing. That’s what makes a champion. Good…
— Saidyokub Kakhramonov (@SaidYokubMMA) April 27, 2025
Sergio Pettis said, “Prates could have finished that s***t. Bad decisions at the end.”