Machado Garry survives late scare to beat Prates
Ian Machado Garry beat Carlos Prates at UFC Kansas City on Saturday, with the Irish welterweight winning by unanimous decision despite a late surge from his Brazilian counterpart in the fifth round.
Machado Garry had the fight well and truly under control for the first four rounds, out-striking Prates by almost two-to-one and regularly threatening takedowns as well.
The 27-year-old had been a slight favourite at BetOnline pre-fight, but UFC bookmakers drastically shortened their live betting odds as the fight progressed.
However, Prates produced an inspired fifth round, finally landing a series of significant strikes that put Machado Garry on the mat.
With his opponent reeling and Prates engaging his ground-and-pound, the Irishman managed to narrowly avoid a stoppage and survive to the final bell.
Judges then awarded the fight 49-46, 48-47, 48-47 in his favour.
“I was conscious every moment,” Machado Garry said of the fifth round.
“I know how dangerous that man is. That man hits like a truck.
“I wanted to be smart, nothing stupid, because that can happen in these types of fights.
“I appreciate he’s on a tear, but I told everyone I would outclass him, and I believe I did that.
“I have nothing but respect for that man, for what he and his team do.
“I said it to him after the fight, he’s Brazilian, half of my soul is Brazilian.
“My name is Machado Garry, I want to see all these Brazilians go to the top.”
Immediately after the victory, Machado Garry dropped the bombshell that he is heading to Montreal where he will be back up for the clash between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena.
“My entire goal in this game is to prove I’m one of the most game fighters ever,” he said.
“I have the fighting Irish blood.
“21 days’ notice against Shavkat, 25 days’ notice against [Prates].
“And in two weeks, I’m flying to Canada. I’m the official backup for the title fight.”
Muhammad and Della Maddalena fight for the welterweight title on Saturday, May 10, with the former a $1.33 favourite across top betting sites to defend his belt.
