In the main event of UFC Kansas City, ‘The Future’ returned to the win column.
Ian Machado Garry came out on top against Carlos Prates despite the Brazilian rallying late on in the fight to counter a strong start from the Irishman.
Prates has already reflected on his first UFC defeat after coming into his second headliner spot with tons of momentum on his side after a breakout 2024.
For Machado Garry, he’s already got his sights set on UFC 315 in several weeks time where he intends on being the backup fighter for the welterweight title fight.
Before the 27-year-old starts to look back up the welterweight rankings, he made sure to pay respect to his opponent after they went five rounds at the T-Mobile Center.
Ian Machado Garry approaches Carlos Prates backstage and praises his heart
During his time in the UFC, Ian Machado Garry has become known for saying something controversial things about his opponents before they meet inside the Octagon.
This was no different ahead of April 26 with Machado Garry making some big claims about Carlos Prates being a quitter due to a video of one of his career losses.
Despite this, there was nothing but respect between the two men once the final bell sounded and this extended to the backstage area after the fight.
Prates may not have got his hand raised but he did come close to turning the fight around after losing the first three rounds on all three scorecards, proving that he does have enough heart to compete at the highest level.
‘The Future’ posted a video on social media which showed the exchange between him and Prates that took place behind the scenes.
The Brazilian was sat recovering before Machado Garry approached him and took back the comments that he made in the build-up to the fight.
“You are sinister. You have a very strong heart.”
Prates responded by thanking his opponent before stating that he believes that this won’t be the first time that they stand across from one another inside the Octagon.
“Thank you for accepting the fight. I feel we’re going to see each other again, you know, maybe for the title.”
Machado Garry, speaking mostly in Portuguese, extended an olive branch by saying that if Prates ever needs him, he will come to train with ‘The Nightmare’ because he wants him to succeed.
“100%. Dude, this, this hand has power. I want to say to you, if you want help to go to the top, I will come to Brazil (if) you need my help. Let’s go. You are Brazilian and I want all the Brazilians to go to the top.”
Ian Machado Garry quickly turns his attention to his next goal
Ahead of fight night in Kansas City, Ian Machado Garry stated that he planned on booking a flight to Montreal in order to be in attendance for UFC 315.
He claimed after beating Carlos Prates that he will be there as the backup fighter in case anything happens to either the champion Belal Muhammad or his challenger, Jack Della Maddalena.
Dana White went on to confirm that the Irishman will in fact be there on May 10th if the promotion needs him despite the damage that he took on Saturday night.
After ending the year with a loss that many believed elevated his stock rather than diminishing it, Machado Garry is back in the title picture.