UFC Kansas City delivered a night of thrilling action on Saturday, April 26, 2025, as fighters from around the globe showcased their skills in a series of intense matchups. The event was headlined by Ian Garry's unanimous decision victory over Carlos Prates, who suffered his first defeat in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Meanwhile, Michel Pereira faced a tough setback against Abus Magomedov, marking his second consecutive loss in the promotion.
The main event featured Ian Garry and Carlos Prates in a five-round battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Garry, coming off a previous loss, was determined to reclaim his standing in the welterweight division. The fight began with both fighters exchanging low kicks, but Garry quickly established control, showcasing his striking prowess and maintaining distance effectively.
As the rounds progressed, Garry's strategy paid off. He landed solid combinations, including a notable high kick followed by punches that kept Prates at bay. Despite Prates’ efforts to counter, Garry's confidence grew as he executed a series of takedowns, further solidifying his lead in the judges' eyes. In a dramatic finish, Prates rallied in the final round, delivering powerful strikes and even reversing a takedown attempt, but it was not enough to sway the judges, who awarded Garry the victory.
"I needed this win to get back on track, and I’m glad I could deliver tonight," Garry stated after the fight. His performance not only marked a significant comeback but also highlighted his potential as a top contender in the division.
In the co-main event, Michel Pereira, known as "Showman," faced Abus Magomedov in a middleweight clash. Pereira entered the octagon ranked 14th and was looking to bounce back after a previous loss. However, Magomedov proved to be a formidable opponent, dominating the fight from the outset.
The bout opened with Magomedov landing a powerful overhand right that shook Pereira. Following this, he secured a takedown, which set the tone for the remainder of the fight. Despite Pereira's attempts to regain his footing and find his rhythm, he struggled against Magomedov's relentless pressure and striking accuracy.
As the rounds unfolded, Pereira showed signs of aggression in the final round, but it was Magomedov who landed the more significant strikes, including a decisive overhand that sent Pereira retreating. Ultimately, the judges scored the fight unanimously in favor of Magomedov, marking Pereira's second consecutive defeat in the UFC.
"I need to go back to the drawing board and come back stronger," Pereira remarked, acknowledging the challenges he faced in the octagon.
In other notable bouts, André Muniz, also known as Sergipano, faced Ikram Aliskerov in the opening fight of the main card. Unfortunately for Muniz, he was knocked out in the first round, further complicating his path in the middleweight rankings. This loss marked his third defeat in his last four UFC appearances, raising concerns about his future in the promotion.
Aliskerov, on the other hand, celebrated a significant victory, showcasing his striking and grappling skills. He landed a left cross that knocked Muniz down and followed up with ground and pound that forced the referee to stop the fight. With this victory, Aliskerov improved his record to three wins in four UFC fights.
On the preliminary card, Brazilian fighter Jaqueline Amorim shone bright by submitting Polyana Viana in the second round. Amorim's performance was a testament to her grappling skills, as she transitioned smoothly from a takedown to a rear-naked choke, forcing Viana to tap out. This victory marked Amorim's fourth consecutive win in the UFC, solidifying her status as a rising star in the women's division.
Overall, UFC Kansas City was a night filled with ups and downs for the fighters involved. While Ian Garry and Jaqueline Amorim celebrated their victories, Michel Pereira and Carlos Prates faced the harsh reality of defeat. With the middleweight rankings becoming increasingly competitive, fighters like Pereira will need to regroup and strategize for their next bouts in order to reclaim their positions.
The full results from UFC Kansas City are as follows:
- Ian Garry defeated Carlos Prates by unanimous decision.
- Zhang Mingyang defeated Anthony Smith by technical knockout in the first round.
- David Onama defeated Giga Chikadze by unanimous decision.
- Abus Magomedov defeated Michel Pereira by unanimous decision.
- Randy Brown defeated Nicolas Dalby by knockout in the second round.
- Ikram Aliskerov defeated André Muniz by technical knockout in the first round.
As the dust settles from this event, fans and fighters alike are left eagerly anticipating the next matchups and potential shifts in the rankings. The UFC continues to showcase the best in mixed martial arts, and with each event, the stakes only get higher.
Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the UFC season progresses, and watch for how these fighters rebound from their performances in Kansas City.
