Ian Garry Rebounds After Disappointing Loss
Heading into his fight with Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310, Ian Machado Garry was riding considerable hype. Many considered him to be on a beeline for title contention after eight consecutive wins in the UFC. That hype train encountered an obstruction on the tracks, as Rakhmonov took the win via unanimous decision. However, Garry remains confident ahead of another high-level test on April 26 against surging Fighting Nerds prospect Carlos Prates. Despite losing his undefeated record, the Irishman believes he has all the tools necessary to stop Prates’ 11-fight win streak and put himself back into the title picture.
Garry Analyzes Rakhmonov Loss
In a recent interview with ESPN MMA, Ian Machado Garry was introspective regarding his first loss. He expressed disappointment in the decision, while rightly complimenting himself for taking the fight in the first place.
“I always wanted to maintain the undefeated streak, but I also want to fight the best fighters that the UFC has to offer. So, on 21 days’ notice, I agreed to fight the scariest man in the division. The ego in me doesn’t like to admit that my hand never got raised. I still feel like, to this day, I didn’t lose that fight. He was gasping for air, grateful the fight was over. I was ready for more.”
He then continued, expressing pride in his ability to make the fight close on short notice, and reiterating his confidence that he is a future champion; as well as his conviction that if given the opportunity, he can settle the score with Shavkat Rakhmonov.
“I was so proud and happy that I’d take a fight against the scariest guy in the division on short notice, show up and put on a performance like that. I learned from the Shavkat fight that I am absolutely destined to be the best in the world, to be the champion. And there will be a time when we’ll face off again, and I’ll prove to the world that I’m the better fighter.”
Out of the Frying Pan, Into the Fire
The UFC has not granted Ian Machado Garry an easy path to redemption. For his next outing, Garry will take on a buzz-saw in Carlos Prates. One of the most impressive prospects to come out of the Fighting Nerds camp, Prates has stopped his last 10 opponents by KO or TKO, with none making it past the second round. A sharp kickboxer in his own right, it nevertheless stands to reason that Garry will look to utilize his grappling to wear on Prates and drag the Brazilian into deep waters, where his cardio can start to pay dividends in the championship rounds.
However, he must be mindful not to underestimate his opponent. Stablemate Jean Silva recently shocked the world with a slick submission finish of Bryce Mitchell, in a similar stylistic matchup on paper of a knockout artist versus a talented grappler. While Carlos Prates hasn’t recorded a submission victory in over 8 years, he boasts a BJJ black belt. Silva’s recent performance underscores the Fighting Nerds’ commitment to churning out fighters who are world-class in all facets of the game. Regardless, if I were in Garry’s corner, I’d be calling for challenges to Prates’ cardio on the cage and the mat early and often. 25 minutes is a long time to stand and trade with a man whose opponents haven’t survived 10 minutes in the past 5 years.
Regardless of the challenge that Prates presents, Ian Machado Garry is self-assured and has full belief in his ability to get the job done on April 26. If he can stop the momentum of one of the Welterweight division’s most promising rising stars, he should be knocking on the door of a title shot and a possible chance to avenge himself against the man who stole his undefeated record.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
