Apr 26, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, UNITED STATES; Ian Machado Garry (red gloves) fights Carlos Prates (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images

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Ian Garry defends Carlos Prates for not pushing pace in the 5th Round

Learn all about how Ian Garry has defended Carlos Prates for his performance in the fifth round of their fight at UFC Fight Night.

Ian Machado Garry and Carlos Prates fought it out through 5 pounds inside the Octagon during UFC Fight Night on April 26, 2025. The end of the fight saw “The Future” Ian Machado Garry rise his arm in victory. Carlos “The Nightmare” Prates however, saw an end to his undefeated UFC streak.

Ian Machado Garry and Carlos Prates both met backstage after their fight and praised each other for their efforts during their fight. However, Carlos Prates has faced criticisms for his performance during the fifth round of their fight. Ian Machado Garry, on the other hand has defended his opponent’s skills in the fifth round. So, how did he defend his opponent’s performance?

Ian Machado Garry supports Carlos Prates’ performance in the 5th round of the fight

Ian Machado Garry appeared on The Ariel Helwani Show on April 29, 2025 to discuss various things about his future MMA career. There, Ariel Helwani asked him about his opinions about the criticisms that Carlos Prates has been facing regarding the 5th round of his fight on April 26, 2025. Ian Machado Garry, on the other hand fully supported and defended his opponent’s performance. He replied –

“I can’t imagine how anyone would sit on someone like Carlos Prates trying to push at the end, when you think that I just put him through an absolute pace. Ariel I looked at the stats, I threw 262 significant strikes and shot for 26 takedowns, and the world just expects Carlos Prates to up the gear? I put pace on that man. That man was lucky to be standing in an Octagon and he came in that last round more dangerous than he did the other four, because he knew he had to win. He was like an wounded animal. He was more dangerous in that fifth round and he went out there and he tried his best. Unfortunately, his best wasn’t good enough.”

Notably, both Ariel Helwani and Uncrowned put Ian Machado Garry’s comments regarding his last opponent on their official Instagram account. Machado Garry’s comments also further reinforced his support for his last opponent in the UFC.

What’s next for Ian Machado Garry?

Ian Machado Garry has already revealed the plans for his next three-fights in the UFC as per MMA Fighting. He first wants to defeat Belal Muhammad and become the UFC Welterweight Champion himself. Then, he wants to make his first title defense against Islam Makhachev, the #1 PFP fighter and the UFC Lightweight Champion. Machado Garry wants to defeat Makhachev and be the #1 PFP fighter himself.

Lastly, “The Future” Ian Machado Garry wants to have a rematch with Shavkat Rakhmonov, the only man who defeated him in the UFC. However, Machado Garry revealed that this time, the result will be different as he will dismantle Rakhmonov inside the Octagon.

However, only time will reveal whether the future that Ian Machado Garry has made for himself in the UFC will be fulfilled as he wants it to be or not.

Belal Muhammad

Carlos Prates

Ian Machado Garry

Islam Makhachev

MMA

Shavkat Rakhmonov

UFC

UFC Fight Night

Arka Mukherjee

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mma

wrestling

I’m a sports content writer focusing on MMA, WWE and MLB writer at The Playoffs. I have a Master’s degree in Media Science (M.Sc) from my college The Heritage Academy. I got into the sports industry through my previous company where I worked from 2023 to March 2025. I’m a fan of combat sports like pro wrestling and MMA. My favorite part about working at The Playoffs is speculating what can be happening in WWE, especially face-heel turns and results of matches.