Ian Machado Garry and Carlos Prates square off in the UFC Kansas City main event in a battle that could shift the landscape of the 170-pound division.
Garry, fresh off a short-notice scrap against Shavkat Rakhmonov, steps back into the fire looking to reassert his status as a future title challenger. Across from him stands Prates, the breakout prospect of 2024, riding an 11-fight win streak and a highlight reel of stoppages. The Brazilian finisher has picked up spectacular wins over veterans like Neil Magny and Li Jingliang with clinical, sharp striking.
This matchup is a test of Garry’s crisp, flowing stand-up and calculated pressure against Prates’ unpredictable rhythm and sniper-like shots.
With Sean Brady already making noise, Kamaru Usman and Joaquin Buckley scheduled to square off, and Belal Muhammad about to defend the belt, the welterweight ladder is tightening fast. A statement win here could vault the victor straight into the title contention conversation soon.
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The UFC Kansas City preliminary card kicks off at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN+, with the main card going live at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and ESPN+.
Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for the live coverage and play-by-play updates of the Ian Garry vs. Carlos Prates clash:
Round 1
Garry opens the attack with an inside leg kick. Prates is fighting heavy on the lead leg to land his sniper left hand. Garry penetrates the range with a high kick and shoots for a takedown. Prates defends the attempt with ease. Garry is doing a good job of keeping the left hand of Prates occupied and landing the right kick. Prates is very measured in his approach and seems to be looking for the right opening to land the left hand. Garry has scored multiple times with the right kick now. A little slip and Garry lands two massive blows on Prates on the canvas.
Our Score: 10-9 Garry
Round 2
Garry scores with a two-punch combination, and he's putting numbers together now. Beautiful timing on the single-leg takedown attempt by Garry, but Prates defends the attempt. Prates lands a jab, and Garry fires back with a straight shot and leg kick. Garry's getting comfortable in the range now, and Prates needs to command the respect of his opponent. Garry has done a spectacular job so far of keeping the left hand of Prates occupied in defending his high kick. He's gathering reads now and computing as the round progresses. Another takedown attempt by Garry, but Prates shrugs it off. Garry is landing shots and mixing it up with no resistance.
Our Score: 10-9 Garry (20-18 overall)
Round 3
Prates needs to put together combinations and pressure Garry. He's falling behind on the scorecards, and Garry is carefully picking him apart. Prates lands a nice little jab. Garry shoots for a takedown, and Prates defends. Garry lands a few short punches, and Prates retreats. The Irishman finally secures a takedown, and Prates gets back on his feet after eating a few shots. Prates needs to let his hands go if he wants to win the fight. Garry shoots for a takedown, ducking under Prates' punch, and he's mixing things up brilliantly.
Our Score: 10-9 Garry (30-27 overall)
Round 4
Prates lands an overhand left, but the punch doesn't carry a lot of sting. Garry lands a few push kicks to keep Prates in range. Garry tries to take Prates down and takes his opponent's back against the cage. Garry's defensive work to evade the left hand has been impressive. Garry is putting together combinations, and he hurts Prates on the retreat. Prates is pushing forward now and walks down Garry and lands a stinging two-punch combination.
Our Score: 10-9 Garry (40-36 overall)
Round 5
Prates needs the finish if he wants to win the fight. He pressures forward, but he needs to be careful of the takedown attempt. Prates lands big shots against the fence, and the crowd roars to rally behind the Brazilian. This is Prates' best round so far. Another shot from Garry, but Prates defends it. Garry's face is showing the effect of Prates' attack. Beautiful counter right from Garry and Prates, smiles as he shrugs off the attack. Garry shoots for a takedown attempt but Prates reverses the position and lands on top. Solid ground and pound from Prates and Garry is trying to survive. An impressive rally by Prates in the final round.
Our Score: 10-9 Prates (49-46 overall)
Official Result
Ian Garry defeats Carlos Prates by unanimous decision (48–47, 48–47, 49–46)