Prates earned a UFC contract through Dana White's Contender Series in 2023 When Ian Machado Garry was asked about Carlos Prates' lifestyle choices before the pair's welterweight bout on Saturday, he preferred to focus on the fight. Brazil's Prates, 31, has said he is "trying to smoke less to get fitter and healthier", admitting he has been smoking up to 10 cigarettes a day in the build-up to facing the Irishman at UFC Fight Night in Kansas City, Missouri. It is unusual for high-level athletes to smoke,given the health risks of cigaretteswhich can include cardiovascular disease, lung disease and lung cancer. "The dude smokes cigarettes, meanwhile I'm in Brazil â his whole country want me to win. That's his life choices and nothing for me to get involved in," said Machado Garry. "Saturday he's going to step into the octagon with someone who's a complete professional. I'm going to manhandle him and there's nothing he can do to stop me." Prates, who has won his first four fights in the UFC, all by knockout, has said he would like to quit smoking entirely in the future, but has found it "hard". After his win over Neil Magny in November, Prates asked if he could smoke a cigarette in his post-fight news conference but said his request was denied as smoking was forbidden in the area. When asked by the media if he would share a cigarette with Prates after their contest on Saturday, Machado Garry, 27, suggested a different idea. "I don't smoke so I won't. But I can sit down and talk about how I knocked him out and I can teach him how to get a little better," he said. The headlining fight was made between Machado Garry and Prates after Jamahal Hill withdrew injured from his bout with Khalil Rountree at the beginning of the month. It is the second fight in a row that Machado Garry has stepped in on short notice after replacing Belal Muhammad in December before anarrow defeat by Shavkat Rakhmonov. "It speaks to the character and the person I am. I'm Dublin born and bred, they call us the fighting Irish for a reason," said Machado Garry. "When you call me and say "hey Ian, do you want to fight?" There's only one answer." Machado Garry's loss to Rakhmonov was the first of his 16-fight career and ended his impressive eight-fight win streak in the UFC. The Irishman is currently ranked seventh in the UFC welterweight rankings, with Prates six places below him in 13th. Of Machado Garry's eight wins since his UFC debut in 2021, three have come by knockout, meaning he has a 37.5% finish rate compared to Prates' 100%. The Irishman has said he prefers longer fights, however, where he can outclass and "dominate" his opponents over five rounds. Despite lacking the knockout power of Prates, Machado Garry still has some of the best striking statistics in the UFC's welterweight division. He is sixth on the list for significant strike accuracy at 55%, with title challenger Della Maddalena fifth with 55.2% and former champion Leon Edwards eighth with 54.2% in comparison. Machado Garry is also eighth on the list for striking differential at 1.9. The Irishman says a win over Prates should put him next in line for a title shot, with champion Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena fighting for the belt at UFC 315 on 11 May.
The UFC fighter trying to give up smoking 10 a day
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"UFC Fighter Carlos Prates Aims to Reduce Smoking Ahead of Bout with Ian Machado Garry"
Bbc News
7.2
TruthLens AI Summary
Carlos Prates, a Brazilian UFC fighter, is preparing for his welterweight bout against Ian Machado Garry at UFC Fight Night in Kansas City, Missouri. At 31 years old, Prates has recently admitted to smoking up to ten cigarettes a day, which he is trying to reduce in an effort to improve his fitness and health ahead of the fight. Smoking is generally uncommon among elite athletes due to the associated health risks, including cardiovascular and lung diseases. Machado Garry, who is ranked seventh in the UFC welterweight rankings, commented on Prates' smoking habits, emphasizing that while it is a personal choice for Prates, he is focused on the fight itself. Prates has been successful in his UFC career thus far, winning all four of his fights by knockout, but he acknowledges the challenge of quitting smoking entirely, stating that it has been a difficult endeavor for him.
The fight between Prates and Machado Garry was arranged following Jamahal Hill's withdrawal due to injury. Machado Garry, who has stepped in on short notice for this match, expressed his readiness to compete, highlighting his commitment to the sport and his desire to continue improving as a fighter. He noted that he prefers longer fights where he can demonstrate his skills, despite Prates' knockout power. Machado Garry has an impressive striking accuracy in the welterweight division and aims to secure a victory that could position him for a title shot in the near future. As both fighters prepare for the bout, the contrasting lifestyles and fighting styles are set to create an intriguing matchup in the octagon, with Machado Garry looking to capitalize on his technical striking against Prates' knockout potential.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the lifestyle choices of UFC fighter Carlos Prates, particularly his struggle with smoking, as he prepares for a welterweight bout against Ian Machado Garry. This juxtaposition of an athlete's dedication to the sport against personal habits that are detrimental to health presents a multi-faceted narrative that can generate various public perceptions.
Health Risks and Athletic Performance
The article underscores the health risks associated with smoking, especially for athletes like Prates, who are expected to maintain peak physical condition. By admitting to smoking up to 10 cigarettes a day, Prates deviates from the norm of high-level athletes, which could elicit concern or criticism from fans and analysts.
Public Perception and Character Focus
Machado Garry's comments emphasize his focus on professionalism and performance rather than Prates' personal choices. This could be construed as a strategic move to divert attention from Prates’ smoking habit and instead highlight Garry's commitment to his training and performance. The framing suggests that Garry intends to project an image of superiority and discipline.
Potential Distractions from Broader Issues
While the article focuses on Prates' smoking, it may inadvertently distract from broader issues within the UFC or sports in general, such as health and wellness initiatives or the implications of lifestyle choices on performance. By concentrating on an individual's habit, the narrative risks oversimplifying complex topics.
Community and Support Dynamics
The discussion touches on the support dynamics within the sports community. Fans and fellow athletes may rally behind Prates, not just for his fighting skills, but also as he navigates personal challenges. This can foster a sense of camaraderie, particularly among those who empathize with struggles related to addiction or unhealthy habits.
Implications for Broader Discussions
This article could catalyze broader discussions about smoking in sports, athlete health, and lifestyle management. It might prompt fans and commentators to consider the pressures athletes face, both inside and outside the ring. The narrative also serves as a reminder of the human aspect of athletes, who are not just competitors but also individuals with personal battles.
Manipulative Elements in Coverage
The language used in the article may subtly manipulate the reader's perception of Prates. By framing him as someone who struggles with smoking, it could evoke sympathy or judgment, depending on the reader's views on smoking and health. This duality in perception could be seen as a way to shape public opinion regarding Prates' character and capabilities.
Trustworthiness of the Article
The overall reliability of this article can be viewed as moderate. While it presents factual information about the fighters and their upcoming match, it does so through a lens that may enhance or diminish the reader's perception of Prates based on his smoking. The focus on personal habits alongside athletic performance raises questions about the narrative's completeness and potential biases.