Ian Machado Garry defeats Carlos Prates in UFC welterweight main event in Kansas City.
Garry prevailed with scores of 48-47, 48-47, 49-46 on the judges’ scorecards, halting Prates’s winning streak in the UFC.
Throughout the match, Garry dominated four out of five rounds with his superior movement, clever feints, effective wrestling, and off-balance striking. Despite Prates’s furious final-minute effort to clinch a technical knockout, Garry managed to stay conscious and unharmed, showcasing his resilience.
In the post-fight interview, Garry expressed his respect for Prates and his team, stating he was never in danger during Prates’s late surge.
Garry also revealed that he is the official backup fighter for the welterweight title fight at UFC 315 on May 10, between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena.
In the co-main event, Mingyang Zhang concluded Anthony Smith’s MMA career with a first-round TKO at 4 minutes and 3 seconds. Zhang’s relentless flurry of punches and elbows overwhelmed Smith before the referee halted the fight. Despite the loss, Smith expressed his gratitude for his career, acknowledging his 13 UFC victories and the respect he earned during his 25 UFC appearances. Meanwhile, Zhang remains undefeated in second-round appearances, ending Smith’s comeback on a three-fight losing streak.
The event in Kansas City marked the first UFC event in the city since April 2023.
