Ian Machado Garry extended his welterweight dominance with a calculated unanimous decision victory over Carlos Prates in the UFC on ESPN 66 main event. Fighting in Kansas City on April 2, 202, Garry (-1) showcased precise striking and tactical control across five rounds, earning scorecards of 48-4, 48-4, and 49-46 despite Prates' late-round surge.
The Irish standout (16-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC) dictated the pace early, peppering Prates (-7) with leg kicks and combinations while evading counterattacks. A first-round trip takedown allowed Garry to land ground strikes, foreshadowing the fight’s trajectory. Though Prates pressed forward aggressively in later rounds, Garry’s defensive movement and crisp counters kept the Brazilian at bay.
Prates (21-7 MMA, 4-1 UFC), known for explosive knockouts against Neil Magny and Trevin Giles, struggled to close distance against Garry’s 6’3” frame. The Chute Boxe-trained fighter now eyes a title shot after rebounding from his 2024 loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov. “I want that belt,” Garry declared post-fight, positioning himself as a top contender in the stacked 170-pound division.
The victory solidifies Garry’s reputation as a technical striker with championship potential, while Prates’ four-fight UFC knockout streak ends against elite competition. With eight decision wins among his 16 career victories, Garry continues to prove he can outclass opponents in marathon battles.
