Ireland’s current top representative in the UFC, Ian ‘Machado’ Garry, is about to throw down his fists with a Muay Thai legend today at UFC Kansas City. After losing his undefeated streak to Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310, the stakes haven’t been higher than this. His opponent, hailing from Brazil, is possibly the most well-matched competition for the Irishman, as ‘The Nightmare’ does everything that Garry does, only with more power.
While talking about his opponent, Carlos Prates, Garry talked about his wish not to fight Brazilian fighters anymore. Not due to any negative reasons, but a positive one instead. The Irishman wants every Brazilian fighter to succeed in the UFC and go as far as they can, while he does his best to carry the Machado name forward. He said: “I love what they’re doing, I love what they’re doing. I ran into the head coach today, in the hotel, and I just said to him, like I don’t want to fight another Brazilian. But this is just the way it is.
Garry also opened up about his own Brazilian heritage, the one he carries with his middle name, Machado. He emphasized the connection and importance his middle name has built between Ian Garry and Brazil. Talking about his middle name, he said: “I’m very proud to carry the Machado name. I’m very proud to carry my wife’s family’s name, it means a lot to me, you know. My son’s name is Machado Garry, that is important to me. I represent Brazil when I go into that octagon every single time, because of that name, I want to see every Brazilian fighter succeed and reach the highest they possibly can in this organization. Because I care about their culture, I care about that, I care about them. They matter to me, they have a special place in my heart. It’s unfortunate, but that’s the way the sport is, and on Saturday night, Brazil will be cheering for me when I get my hand raised.”
December 6, 2024, Las Vegas, Nevada, Las Vegas, Nv, United States: Ian Machado Garry steps on the scale for the official weigh-ins for UFC310 – Pantoja vs Asakura at UFC Apex on December 6, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada /PxImages Las Vegas, Nevada United States – ZUMAp175 20241206_zsa_p175_058 Copyright: xLouisxGrassex
There is some harsh truth to his words; many times, fighters of the same culture, same nations, and even same gyms can clash with each other in the UFC, and that’s just the way it is. To reach the top in this sport, you have to become ruthless, so much so that you may even have to fight through the people and culture you love just for a shot at the title. In Ian Garry’s case, he proudly represents his Brazilian middle name he took from his wife, and that represents his connection to Brazil, and that is why he doesn’t want to fight Brazilians anymore.
Although that doesn’t mean he has given up on the fight, Garry understands the brutality of the fight game, he has stood through storms in it. Carrying a slightly higher experience heading into this fight, Garry has looked as confident as ever about beating Prates. With his eyes set on a title shot ahead, Ian Garry has to bring his ‘A’ game in a high-stakes duel.
Will victory at UFC Kansas City begin Ian Garry’s path to glory?
Ian Garry hoisted a long streak of eight wins before his clash against Rakhmonov, and even that loss couldn’t do much damage to his momentum remembering he received a standing ovation as he left the octagon after his first MMA loss. A fighter many want to see compete at the top level, this just might be the chance for Garry to serve them right. With a victory over easily the most hyped welterweight in recent months, Carlos Prates, Garry can slingshot his career straight into the top five welterweights of the UFC, where the competition is so high, just one victory can give you a chance at the 170-pound division throne.
Ian Garry is a smart and composed individual whether its through his mental or physical abilities. In the octagon, he maintains a distance, controls the fight’s pace and lands precise shots from counters and openings. His approach to his life outside the octagon isn’t that different either. With his eyes set on the welterweight gold ever since the UFC 315 main event has been announced, Garry has to bring his best against an opponent who is already a legend in Thailand.
Carlos Prates has terrorized through the UFC to get to his main event clash against Garry in Kansas city. With four knockout victories in a row, Prates has walked a similar path to that of Garry’s as he stands before the Irishman, ready to add another name on his KO’d list. However, Garry’s experience at the top cannot be counted out. He has already fought veterans of the past and a soldier of the future in his nine-fight UFC run. And with a huge crowd backing him, Ian Garry is undeniably one of the biggest draws in the welterweight division. With his momentum and his following, one victory after conquering Kansas City can take him to a shot at the 170-pound throne. Do you think Ian Garry can beat Carlos Prates? Let us know in the comments.
The post “I Don’t Want to Fight Another Brazilian” – Ian Garry Reveals Unexpected Reservations to Fight Carlos Prates & ‘Fighting Nerds’ appeared first on EssentiallySports.
