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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – Tonight, April 26, the UFC is set to take over the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, featuring an exciting fight card. The main event showcases Ian Machado Garry aiming to recover from a recent decision loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov as he faces Carlos Prates. Prates has an impressive track record of 4-0 in the UFC, with all victories coming by way of knockout, also earning him four “Performance of the Night” bonuses. The co-main event will see former UFC light heavyweight title contender Anthony Smith attempt to break a two-fight losing streak against Zhang Mingyang in what Smith has indicated may be his final fight.
UFC Tonight: Main Event – Ian Machado Garry Vs. Carlos Prates
Ian Machado Garry, sporting a record of 15-1, has an 8-1 standing in the UFC. At just 27 years old, Garry has accumulated five decision wins and three knockouts. He recently clinched a victory over Michael “Venom” Page at UFC 303 but faced a setback in his next bout against Rakhmonov.
Initially perceived as a Conor McGregor look-alike, Garry has since carved out his own identity as a formidable competitor eager to face the toughest opponents the organization presents, exemplified by his willingness to accept this fight on short notice.
Currently, Garry holds the No. 7 spot in the UFC welterweight rankings.
Carlos Prates, with a record of 21-6, made his UFC debut in 2023, securing a knockout win during Dana White’s Contender Series. The 31-year-old has since gone undefeated in the UFC, achieving four knockouts and receiving performance bonuses for each one. In his latest fights, Prates stopped Li Jingliang in August 2024 and bested Neal Magny via TKO in November.
Part of The Fighting Nerds team, Prates is currently on a remarkable 11-fight winning streak.
A bout against Geoff Neal was previously scheduled for UFC 314, but following Neal’s withdrawal in late March, Prates stepped in to headline against Garry on short notice. He is ranked No. 13 in the welterweight division.
Fight Predictions: Ian Machado Garry Vs. Carlos Prates
In the main event, Garry is recognized as the more technical striker. However, while Prates may absorb more strikes, he possesses notable knockout power that Garry’s somewhat reckless defense may struggle against. This could present significant challenges for Garry, particularly as he comes off a recent loss.
Garry’s decision to take this fight shows commendable confidence, but prognostications suggest he may not emerge victorious from the T-Mobile Center tonight.
Predictions lean toward Carlos Prates winning by knockout.
Event Details: UFC Kansas City Fight Card Date
Saturday, April 26
Event Details: UFC Kansas City Fight Card Time
Prelims: 6:00 p.m. ET
Main Card: 9:00 p.m. ET
Event Details: UFC Kansas City Fight Card Location
T-Mobile Center, Kansas City, MO
Event Details: How To Watch UFC Kansas City
Prelims: ESPN+
Main Card: ESPN2
Main Card Fights
Ian Machado Garry vs. Carlos Prates
Anthony Smith vs. Zhang Mingyang
Giga Chikadze vs. David Onama
Michel Pereira vs. Abusupiyan Magomedov
Randy Brown vs. Nicolas Dalby
Ikram Aliskerov vs. André Muniz
Preliminary Card Fights
Matt Schnell vs. Jimmy Flick
Evan Elder vs. Gauge Young
Chris Gutiérrez vs. John Castañeda
Da’Mon Blackshear vs. Alatengheili
Malcolm Wellmaker vs. Cameron Saaiman
Jaqueline Amorim vs. Polyana Viana
Timothy Cuamba vs. Roberto Romero
Chelsea Chandler vs. Joselyne Edwards
Stay tuned for more updates on the UFC Kansas City fight card and results as the event progresses.
Source
www.forbes.com