Ian Machado Garry: 'Leon Edwards Is Done' Ahead of UFC 322 Clash With Carlos Prates

“I feel like Leon Edwards is on his way out and has been on his way out,” Machado Garry told Games Hub. “When you watch the fight with Belal and you see Leon Edwards in that corner, he doesn’t look like he wants to be there. His team should be there for him and say, ‘Mate, I think you’ve lost the love for this. I think you’re done.’ But I don’t think he has a team strong enough or vocal enough to say what needs to be said.”

Machado Garry went further, accusing Edwards’ camp of enabling a decline and pointing to visible frustration during his most recent loss.

“We’ve seen that again happen in the Sean Brady fight. He told his corner in between one of the rounds to fck off, or shut the fck up. Mentally, he’s weak. I feel like his love is gone from the game and there wasn’t much of a fighter in there in the first place. And I definitely don’t think there is anymore. … I think he’s going to get knocked out, put unconscious, and we’re never going to see Leon Edwards again.”

Prates as the Measuring Stick

Machado Garry has first-hand experience with Edwards’ upcoming opponent. He headlined UFC on ESPN 66 in April, scoring a win over Prates. Who later bounced back with a highlight-reel first-round knockout of Geoff Neal at UFC 319 in August.

That victory cemented Prates’ reputation as one of the division’s most dangerous strikers and in Garry’s mind, the final test Edwards will fail before walking away from the sport.

The Bigger Picture at 170

With Edwards trying to salvage his career and Prates on the rise. UFC 322 could represent a pivotal crossroads for the welterweight division. If Garry’s prediction comes true. It may mark the end of an era for “Rocky” Edwards while clearing the way for a new generation of contenders.