Carlos Prates and Ian Machado Garry‘s feud has erupted—but not in the noisy, chaotic way ‘Machado’ might have expected. While the Irishman has been busy digging up years-old fight footage and turning it into stories about Prates being a quitter, the Brazilian knockout artist appears to have taken a completely different approach. There were no reactive memes or dramatic Instagram tales. Just cold calculation and a verbal uppercut may have caused more harm than any highlight reel KO. And, with the fight just around the corner, it appears Prates has already delivered the first significant blow, without throwing a single punch. So, what did he say?
Prates didn’t just respond; he might as well have submitted a PowerPoint presentation. While Garry clings to a single loss in China as if it were a thesis paper, Prates dug out all of Garry’s UFC receipts. One bonus in four years? Never headlined a single card? “He’s been in the UFC for four years, if I’m not mistaken, and he’s never headlined a card. He only won one bonus—poor guy—and now he has the opportunity to be the main event.” Prates stated bluntly, using sympathy as his lethal weapon for the day.
And with that, the Brazilian shifted the narrative. The “future champion” that Garry portrays himself as? According to Prates, he’s more of a supporting character who ultimately gets his big break, not by rising through the ranks, but by being handpicked by someone with genuine star power. But ‘The Nightmare’ wasn’t done yet. He went even farther, claiming to be the reason Garry is currently in the spotlight. “I gave him this opportunity,” he continued, before twisting the knife: “Even though he’ll get a beating, he’ll thank me for the opportunity I gave him to make good money.” Well, the Brazilian surely makes it sound like this contest is more than simply a sport; it’s much more like a charity event. And behind all the bravado was a message that’s probably echoing in Garry’s mind: You needed me more than I ever needed you.
From the looks of it, Carlos Prates didn’t just promise violence; he presented it as a professional career advancement scheme. But it would be interesting to see how ‘Machado’ reacts to it. After all, he isn’t one to back down either, whether he is inside the Octagon or outside of it. However, chances are that he may let his fists do the talking instead. But who’s more likely to win? Well, we have a prediction by none other than the welterweight champion, Belal Muhammad.
Belal Muhammad picks his winner between Ian Garry and Carlos Prates
Carlos Prates may have dominated the mental game leading up to the fight, but welterweight champion Belal Muhammad isn’t buying into the narrative war. While ‘The Nightmare’ used phrases like weaponry, Muhammad concentrated on strategy, and he’s betting on the fighter who can play chess rather than just swing hammers. ‘Remember The Name’ believes that experience, ring IQ, and the ability to adjust under pressure are the most important factors at this level. And in his opinion, Ian Machado Garry meets all of those requirements.
Muhammad’s breakdown was clinical and full of respect. He didn’t dispute Prates’ threat—the knockout streak speaks for itself—but he did say that Garry’s performance against Shavkat Rakhmonov, despite the loss, could have been the turning point. That fight taught ‘Machado’ how to lose, how to develop, and, most importantly, how to withstand chaos. “He understands how to win,” Belal stated, predicting that the Irishman will keep it long, move about, and frustrate the Brazilian brawler with clean, technical strikes.
However, there is a narrow line between fighting smartly and fighting safely, and Garry will have to tread carefully. Carlos Prates isn’t the kind to wait for you to find your groove; he’s the type to finish fights before they begin. So, while Belal’s prediction may favor the technician, it does not negate the threat standing across the Octagon. One error, one slip, and the entire strategy could crumble under the weight of Prates’ fist. The question today isn’t who is better, but who can be perfect on April 26. What do you think? Who will win the fight? Let us know in the comments.
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