Imagine witnessing a legendary fighter's stunning downfall, only to have it hilariously recreated by a rival and his young son. That's exactly what happened to Leon Edwards after UFC 322, and it’s sparked a wave of debate in the MMA world. But here's where it gets controversial: should Edwards retire after his brutal knockout loss to Carlos Prates, or is there still fight left in the former welterweight champion? Let’s dive in.
Leon Edwards, once the undisputed UFC Welterweight Champion, suffered a devastating knockout at the hands of Carlos Prates during UFC 322’s main card. This marked Edwards’ third consecutive loss—a first in his career—following defeats to Belal Muhammad and Sean Brady. To make matters worse, Edwards’ post-fight moment was overshadowed by rising contender Ian Machado Garry, who not only called for his retirement but also poked fun at his rival’s misfortune. Garry even went as far as reenacting the knockout with his son, Leo, in a now-viral Instagram video. In the clip, Garry plays Prates, delivering the knockout blow, while Leo pretends to be the unconscious Edwards, collapsing dramatically to the floor.
And this is the part most people miss: Leo, Garry’s son, has openly declared Carlos Prates as his favorite fighter—despite Garry’s own victory over Prates earlier this year at UFC Kansas City. Garry joked, ‘Prates is my son’s favorite fighter, and after knocking out Leon, he’s now my favorite too.’ The playful yet pointed jab adds another layer to the rivalry, leaving fans wondering: Is Garry’s mockery a step too far, or just part of the game?
But here’s the real question: Could Ian Machado Garry be next in line for the welterweight title? With a 9-1 UFC record and upcoming co-main event against Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar, Garry is positioning himself as a serious contender. A win over Muhammad, coupled with his previous victory over Prates, could solidify his case for a title shot against Makhachev. Meanwhile, Prates and Michael Morales are also in the title conversation after their impressive UFC 322 performances. However, Garry’s bold statements and strategic moves outside the octagon are turning heads—and not everyone is a fan.
Is Garry’s trash talk crossing the line, or is it all part of the sport’s theater? Let us know in the comments. One thing’s for sure: the welterweight division is more unpredictable than ever, and Edwards’ future hangs in the balance. Will he retire, or will he rise again? Only time will tell.
