Irish fighter Ian Machado Garry defeated Carlos Prates by unanimous decision in the welterweight main event at UFC Fight Night in Kansas on Saturday. This victory follows Garry`s prior loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov in December and marks Carlos Prates` first defeat in the UFC.
Garry managed to withstand a significant late surge from the Brazilian opponent in the final round, successfully holding on until the closing bell in a tense finish.
Reflecting on the bout, Garry (now 16-1 MMA) felt he controlled four out of the five rounds through his movement, feints, wrestling, and varied striking attacks. Despite the late danger, he stated he was fully conscious and aware throughout Prates` comeback attempt.
“I wasn`t hurt enough to not know where I was, I was conscious in every moment. I know how dangerous that man is, I have nothing but respect for him,” Machado Garry commented after the decision was announced. He acknowledged Prates` power, saying, “That man hits like a truck.”
Garry added, “He`s been on a tear but I told everyone what I was going to do – outclass him – and I believe I did that.”
In his post-fight interview, Garry revealed his role as the backup fighter for the upcoming welterweight title fight between champion Belal Muhammad (24-3) and Jack Della Maddalena (17-2), scheduled for UFC 315 on May 10.
“My entire goal is to prove I`m one of the most game fighters who has ever existed. I`ve got the fighting Irish in my blood and this is what`s next for me,” he stated.
Co-Main Event: Zhang Defeats Smith, Ends Career
In the co-main event, Mingyang Zhang (19-6 MMA) ended the MMA career of former UFC light heavyweight title challenger Anthony Smith (37-22 MMA) with a first-round TKO victory at 4:03 of the first round. Zhang overwhelmed the Nebraska native with a flurry of punches and elbows, leading to the stoppage.
Despite the loss, Smith expressed gratitude for his career in his post-fight comments in the Octagon. “I`m just gonna be grateful it happened,” Smith said. “I appreciate you guys.”
Anthony Smith concludes his MMA journey with 25 appearances in the UFC, securing 13 victories, and ending on a three-fight losing streak. Mingyang Zhang maintains his record of finishing all his professional wins within the first round.
