Ian Garry Survives a Late Scare Against ‘The Nightmare’
The UFC returns to the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City for UFC Fight Night: Ian Machado Garry vs. Carlos Prates. The main event has serious implications on the status of the Welterweight Division, with Garry trying to get back in the win column against rising prospect Prates. This fight should be non-stop action from two talented strikers. Will Garry put his name back in line for a potential title shot, or will Prates show the world why he is the true dark horse in the Welterweight Division?
The first round started with both fighters throwing feints to figure out their range. Prates comes out throwing leg kicks while Garry is throwing head kicks. Both fighters seem to be making reads, throwing one shot, and backing out of range. Garry is working his one-two and then going up top for a head kick, he’s thrown that combination three times so far. Prates' takedown defense holds up early as he is able to keep the fight on the feet. To end Round One, Prates slipped, and Garry was able to land some big ground shots to most likely win him the first round. To start round two, Garry is back to throwing body and head kicks. Prates is having a hard time finding his range and distance. Beautiful timing on Garry’s takedown, but Prates was able to stuff it. Ian has been trying to wear down that dangerous left hand of Prates by having to block all these headlocks. Good head movement by Garry as Prates is slowly being picked apart. Big right hand by the future stuns Prates. Through two rounds, Garry has completely shut down Prates. Garry is on cruise control right now to start Round Three. A huge uppercut gets through for Garry as it seems Prates is starting to break. Garry is able to get his first takedown of the night after wearing Prates down, making him the first person to take Prates down. As the third round was coming to an end, Garry was able to time the left hand of Prates and take him down again.
As we head into the main event rounds, it is three rounds in the bag for Ian. To start Round Four, Carlos looks physically exhausted. We will see if he still has that one big shot in him. The more Prates has to defend these takedowns, the more tired he is going to be. Prates is starting to throw more as he is walking Garry down and landing big shots against the cage. He was able to cut Garry and gave some much-needed confidence. Going into the last round, we will see how much Prates has left and if he can land the big knockout and steal this victory. Prates lands a big knee to start the fifth round. Big left lands for Carlos. Garry is trying to survive with his right forearm all messed up. Big counter right hook by Garry stifles the pressure from Prates. Garry is wasting time with this takedown attempt as we are under two minutes to go. A beautiful reversal from Prates as he is on top of Garry’s takedown attempt. Garry is in serious trouble. Garry is able to survive, as it looks like he will win this fight by decision. Ian Machado Garry wins the fight by unanimous decision.
Ian Garry showcased his incredible ability to control range and distance and completely shut down Prates through arguably four rounds. Prates showed that he has some impressive takedown defense, and his cardio held up well for the most part. After the fight, Garry informed us that he is the backup fighter for the Welterweight Championship fight that takes place two weeks from now and that he is the number one contender for the belt. As for Carlos Prates, a fight with either Michael Page or Geoff Neal would be an exciting striking battle and would keep him in the rankings. We will see what Dana White and his committee decide to do moving forward.
