The phrase "anytime, anywhere" is often thrown around recklessly in the fight game. When young fighters are on the rise, bills need to be paid, and food needs to be put on the table, they will often jump at any opportunity that comes their way.
However, once a fighter reaches a certain level of success or financial stability, they can become more cautious in managing their careers. When championship belts are on the line, when positions in the UFC rankings are at risk, or when a title shot is within their grasp, many fighters take a more tactical approach to their decision-making and choose their moves more carefully.
UFC Commentator Believes Machado Garry's Decision Will Give Him Massive Promotional Push
One fighter who has continued to spring into action at the mere hint of an opportunity to showcase his skills inside the Octagon is Ian Machado Garry.
For the second fight in a row, Machado Garry (15-1 MMA, 8-1 UFC) has stepped up to the plate on short notice to face one of the UFC welterweight division's so-called "boogeymen." After accepting a last-minute match-up against Shavkat Rakhmonov (18-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) at UFC 310 in December, Garry has once again agreed to fight at the eleventh hour. He will take on Carlos Prates (21-6 MMA, 4-0 UFC) in the main event at UFC Kansas City later this month.
Prates had been preparing to face Geoff Neal at UFC 314 this weekend, but after "Handz of Steel" withdrew from the fight due to injury, the Brazilian will now face Machado Garry over five rounds on April 26.
“I’ve got to give a huge shoutout to Ian Machado Garry for stepping in yet again against a top contender, against a very dangerous opponent like Carlos Prates, who’s just been on a roll since he’s entered the UFC – knocking everybody out, finishing everyone,” UFC color commentator Paul Felder told ESPN, “but Ian Garry knows that these are the moments that you have to take advantage of.
“These are the moments that the UFC is going to give you favors later on in your career, is going to try and help push you to the top. You scratch their back, they’ll scratch yours. I love it. He’s showing that he’s got the toughness and is not afraid of anybody in this division.”
"There's Nothing More I Love In This World Than Fighting"
Prates enjoyed a sensational first year in the UFC in 2024. The Brazilian picked up an impressive four knockout wins inside the Octagon and earned a 'Performance of the Night' bonus for each one, leading to his rise in the UFC's welterweight rankings.
With "The Nightmare" carrying such a fearsome reputation and sitting 13th in the welterweight standings (six spots below Machado Garry), many fans have questioned the Dubliner's decision to take this fight on such short notice. However, the former Cage Warriors champion insists he is relishing the opportunity to step into the Octagon at Kansas City's T-Mobile Center.
“It’s not a massive risk", Machado Garry said in a video posted to his Instagram account. "The UFC need a short-notice opponent, they call the Irish. We’re called ‘The Fighting Irish’ for a reason! I say yes…I love to fight. There’s nothing more I love in this world than fighting. I am ready”.
