Overview of Ian Machado Garry's UFC Kansas City Victory

Ian Machado Garry recently appeared on The Ariel Helwani Show to discuss his impressive performance against Carlos Prates at UFC Kansas City on April 26, 2025. Garry secured a dominant decision win, showcasing his striking and overall control for most of the fight. Despite a challenging fifth round where Prates mounted a comeback, Garry held firm to claim the victory and solidify his position as a top contender in the welterweight division. This win has positioned him as the backup fighter for the upcoming UFC 315 title bout, a role he takes seriously as he eyes the championship.

Breaking Down the Fight with Carlos Prates

During the interview, Garry provided an in-depth analysis of his fight strategy against Prates. He explained how he controlled the pace and neutralized Prates' striking for the first four rounds, demonstrating his technical prowess. However, at around the 12:30 mark of the video, Garry admitted to a tactical error in the final round that allowed Prates to gain momentum, describing him as fighting like a 'wounded animal.' Despite this late scare, Garry's performance was enough to secure the win and hand Prates his first UFC loss.

Case for the Welterweight Title Shot

A significant portion of the discussion focused on Garry's belief that he deserves the next shot at the welterweight title. Around the 18:45 timestamp, he passionately argued that his activity in the octagon, combined with his recent string of victories, makes him the most deserving contender. Garry expressed confidence in stepping in as the backup fighter at UFC 315, stating his readiness to seize the title if any opportunity arises. He also addressed potential matchups against top fighters like Islam Makhachev and Shavkat Rakhmonov, showing no hesitation in facing the division's elite.

Post-Fight Interactions and Rivalries

Garry also touched on his post-fight interaction with Prates, noting a mutual respect despite the intense battle. At approximately the 25:10 point, he shared insights into their exchange, highlighting the sportsmanship displayed after a grueling contest. Additionally, Garry addressed ongoing tensions with other fighters, particularly Joaquin Buckley, whose criticism of Garry's performance at UFC Kansas City did not go unnoticed. Garry dismissed Buckley's comments, focusing instead on his path forward in the division.

Aspirations and Future Plans

Towards the latter part of the interview, near the 30:00 mark, Garry reiterated his ultimate goal of bringing the welterweight title back to Dublin, Ireland. He discussed his plans to travel to Canada for UFC 315, prepared to step in if needed, and emphasized his determination to become champion. His confidence and focus on future challenges underscored his ambition to not just compete, but dominate at the highest level of the sport.