UFC Kansas City star Carlos Prates ‘aces’ baseball pitch after failed attempts from Conor McGregor and Paulo Costa 

UFC welterweight star Carlos Prates makes the honorable first pitch for the Kansas City Royals, and immediately attracts comparison with Conor McGregor.

UFC Kansas City star Carlos Prates ‘aces’ baseball pitch after failed attempts from Conor McGregor and Paulo Costa 

Carlos Prates outclasses UFC superstar Conor McGregor in a baseball pitch (via Imago/X)

Carlos Prates is set to headline UFC Kansas City this Saturday against Ian Garry in a highly anticipated main event. With both fighters possessing serious talent and potential, the MMA world is buzzing about the chances for an unforgettable showdown. As the event nears, Prates has embraced promotional duties, recently stepping onto a baseball field to engage with supporters.

Prates was recently invited to the home game of the Kansas City Royals of the MLB. He was then given the opportunity to make the honorary first pitch. The Brazilian received a warm welcome from the home fans and surprisingly made a good pitch. As expected, his pitch was immediately compared to UFC superstar Conor McGregor and former middleweight contender Paulo Costa. 

In 2021, McGregor made the first pitch for the Chicago Cubs, which was deemed to be one of the worst in MLB history. However, the Irishman’s charisma was able to compensate for that but Costa wasn’t that lucky. He was invited to the New York Mets stadium for the pitch last year during the promotion of UFC 302. 

Costa’s disastrous throw shocked everyone as it flew meters wide of the keeper, leaving him visibly embarrassed and somewhat humiliated. Prates, in contrast, nailed his throw perfectly, impressing spectators and breaking the infamous streak of poor pitches by UFC fighters. Despite this success, his true challenge awaits this Saturday when he steps into the octagon to face Ian Garry.

The pre-fight back-and-forth between Carlos Prates and Ian Garry 

Ian Garry and Carlos Prates were unexpectedly matched, as Jamahal Hill vs. Khalil Rountree was supposed to fight in the initial schedule. However, this has now ignited a rivalry fueled by contrasting paths and rising welterweight division ambitions. Garry, aiming to rebound from his first loss, called the bout “his world,” eager to showcase elite-level striking and confidence. 

Carlos Prates vs. Ian Garry heated rivalry
Carlos Prates vs. Ian Garry heated rivalry (via Imago/X)

Prates, unfazed and confident despite his cigarette-smoking habit, has claimed to continue his four-fight knockout streak in the UFC. Ahead of the fight, the Irishman has already started the mind games, calling the Brazilian a ‘quitter’. However, it seems like Prates is well prepared for all that and isn’t bothered by the trash-talking. 

We already expected that to happen. It’s normal for him to do it. He probably has a lot of free time. I don’t, brother. All the time I’m training, I’m doing my stuff, I’m doing interviews, I’m focused on the fight. But that’s part of the game. He wants to sell the fight, to be more known, to be hyped. I think that’s also important, it’s part of the game, like I said in my video. I think it’s interesting.

Carlos Prates via MMA Fighting 

Both fighters are eager to get a win this weekend and potentially move up and challenge for the welterweight title. The current champion, Belal Muhammad, has also previewed this fight and picked Garry to take home the win due to his experience. Despite being a BJJ black belt, Muhammad doesn’t think Prates has what it takes to beat Garry’s ground game.

Carlos Prates shuts down Ian Garry’s latest claims 

In his last fight against Shavkat Rakhmonov, Ian Garry came very close to submitting the top welterweight contender. Even though the Irishman lost the fight, his confidence rose to a whole new level. Garry mentioned that he will finish Carlos Prates with a knockout, which has not gone well with the Brazilian.

Carlos Prates mocks Ian Garry’s claims
Carlos Prates mocks Ian Garry’s claims (via X/MMA Fighting)

In a recent viral video, Prates was observed getting annoyed with Garry’s claims and making fun of his past record. He remembered how Garry hadn’t knocked out anybody in his last four bouts. Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see how things turn out this weekend at the T-Mobile Center. 

Related: Did Ian Garry hire wife’s ex-husband as nutritionist? Everything you need to know about Irish fighter’s relationship