Carlos Prates Labels Ian Garry “Easy” in Welterweight Matchup Rankings

Carlos Prates, one of the UFC’s most electrifying rising stars, has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind. In a now resurfaced interview from seven months ago, the Brazilian knockout artist ranked potential welterweight matchups from “easy” to “very hard,” sparking renewed interest as he prepares to face Ian Machado Garry in the main event of UFC Kansas City. Among his rankings, Prates notably labeled Garry as an “easy” opponent—a statement that has added fuel to their upcoming showdown.

With both fighters riding contrasting career trajectories, this matchup is shaping up to be a must-watch clash of styles and egos.

Prates’ Ranking Breakdown: Confidence or Calculated Analysis?

In his rankings, Carlos Prates categorized several top welterweights based on how challenging he believed they would be as opponents. Fighters like Shavkat Rakhmonov, Belal Muhammad, and Kamaru Usman were deemed “hard,” while others such as Vicente Luque and Joaquin Buckley were labeled “easy.” Ian Machado Garry also fell into the “easy” category, alongside names like Geoff Neal and Kevin Holland.

Prates clarified that these rankings were not meant as disrespect but rather reflected his assessment of stylistic matchups. He cited factors like Luque’s recent struggles with injuries and brain trauma as reasons for labeling him the easiest opponent. As for Garry, Prates appeared confident in his ability to neutralize the Irishman’s striking-heavy game plan, which he likely views as less threatening compared to grapplers or multi-dimensional fighters like Gilbert Burns.

Interestingly, Prates singled out Shavkat Rakhmonov as the toughest challenge in the division, praising his dominance and well-rounded skill set. This acknowledgment underscores that while Prates exudes confidence, he remains realistic about the challenges posed by elite competition.

Clash of Styles: Power vs Precision

The stylistic contrast between Prates and Garry adds another layer of intrigue to their matchup. Prates has emerged as a wrecking ball in the UFC with four consecutive knockouts since joining the promotion in 2024. His aggressive Muay Thai background and devastating power have earned him four Performance of the Night bonuses in as many fights. Fighters like Neil Magny and Li Jingliang were unable to survive past the second round against him.

On the other hand, Garry’s game revolves around precision striking and movement. With a height advantage at 6’3” and a reach that allows him to control distance effectively, Garry has outpointed dangerous opponents like Geoff Neal and Michael Page. However, questions remain about how he will handle Prates’ relentless pressure and finishing ability.

What’s at Stake?

This fight represents an opportunity for Carlos Prates to solidify himself as a legitimate contender in the welterweight division. A win over Garry would likely catapult him into the top 10 rankings and set him up for even bigger fights later this year.

For Ian Machado Garry, this is a chance for redemption after his loss to Rakhmonov. A victory would not only restore his momentum but also silence critics who question whether he can hang with top-tier competition.

The stakes are high for both men, but it’s clear that Prates’ earlier comments have added an extra layer of tension to this already compelling matchup. Whether his confidence proves justified or backfires spectacularly will be revealed when they step into the Octagon on April 26. All eyes will be on Kansas City when these two welterweights collide.