Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC
Ian Garry vs. Carlos Prates: What Did We Learn?
Ian Machado Garry walked away with a unanimous decision win over Carlos Prates, and at first glance, it seems like there’s not much to break down. But look a little closer, and there are some interesting takeaways:
Carlos Prates’ Surprising Gas Tank
Prates, often seen as a front-runner who fades late, actually held up well over five rounds. He even won parts of rounds 4 and 5, losing 48-47 on two of the judges’ cards. Maybe he can keep on smoking, but he definitely needs to start fights stronger instead of sleepwalking through the first three rounds.
Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC
The Power is Real
Even in a technical fight, Prates’ punching power stood out — every time he touched Garry clean, Garry stumbled back toward the fence. On the ground, a few heavy shots in Round 5 almost flipped the script. Despite the loss, the Brazilian’s potential is undeniable.
Garry’s Usual Game — with Some Improvements
Plenty of movement, plenty of feints, sharp kickboxing — classic Ian Garry. What stood out was his improved timing on defensive exits, showing a better feel for his opponent’s rhythm. What didn’t impress: at times Garry didn’t angle off properly, playing it too safe and missing some offensive opportunities.
Grappling Didn’t Go as Planned
Surprisingly, Garry’s takedowns didn’t lead to much. Even the ones that scored were largely ineffective. It became clear that Prates isn’t an easy guy to handle physically — he’s stronger and harder to control than expected.
Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC
What’s Next for Both Fighters
Garry’s style is problematic for anyone in the division. He doesn’t need a major overhaul, just small adjustments. Prates, on the other hand, still has a long way to go before cracking the top 5. His game is too one-dimensional right now, relying heavily on that dangerous left hand.
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