The UFC returned to action last night with a thrilling Fight Night event at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, headlined by a welterweight clash between Ian Machado Garry and Carlos Prates. Garry, ranked seventh in the welterweight division, was looking to bounce back after suffering the first loss of his professional career to Shavkat Rakhmonov in December 2024. Meanwhile, Prates, who had made a sensational entry into the UFC with four consecutive knockouts in 2024, aimed to solidify his status as a rising star in the division.
The bout was highly anticipated, with both fighters exchanging heated words in the lead-up, promising a night of violence for the fans. Garry, known as "The Future," came into the fight with a chip on his shoulder, eager to prove that his loss to Rakhmonov was just a minor setback. Prates, representing the Fighting Nerds team, had quickly gained a reputation for his explosive finishing ability, and a victory over Garry would catapult him into title contention.
As the fight began, both fighters took a measured approach, feeling each other out in the opening round. Garry attempted a couple of takedowns, but it was Prates who found himself on his back in the final seconds of the round. The second round saw Garry begin to establish his striking dominance, landing more significant blows while Prates struggled to find his rhythm. By the end of the round, Garry had built a solid lead in strikes, showcasing his boxing skills and speed.
Entering the third round, Garry’s confidence surged. He continued to connect with combinations, and during the round, he secured his first takedown, further asserting his control over the fight. The Irishman’s strategy was clear: wear down Prates and capitalize on any openings. However, Prates remained dangerous, and as the fight progressed into the later rounds, he began to show signs of aggression, landing some powerful shots.
The fourth round was pivotal, as Garry managed to take Prates down again, but the Brazilian quickly returned to his feet. With the fight nearing its conclusion, Prates realized he needed a finish to secure victory. In the fifth round, he pressed forward with strikes, attempting to turn the tide. He finally reversed Garry and ended up on top, launching a flurry of punches that had the crowd on their feet.
Despite the late surge from Prates, it was Garry’s earlier success that ultimately secured him the win. The judges awarded him a unanimous decision, marking a significant comeback for the welterweight contender. After the fight, Garry expressed relief and determination, stating, "I needed this win to remind everyone who I am in this division."
In the co-main event, Anthony Smith faced off against Zhang Mingyang in a light heavyweight bout that many feared could be a career-ending fight for Smith. The veteran fighter, who had lost three of his last four bouts, was looking to recapture his form against the knockout artist Zhang, who had finished all 18 of his professional victories, including 12 by knockout.
However, the fight did not go as planned for Smith. From the outset, Zhang showcased his striking power, landing heavy shots that put Smith on the defensive. As the rounds progressed, it became evident that Smith was struggling to keep pace. His once-quick reflexes seemed dulled, and he was unable to avoid the punishing blows from Zhang. The fight culminated in a devastating finish, with Zhang landing a series of unanswered strikes that forced the referee to step in and stop the contest.
After the fight, a visibly emotional Smith hinted at retirement, saying, "I’ve given everything I have to this sport, and I think it’s time for me to step back and reflect on my career." Fans and fellow fighters alike expressed their admiration for Smith's contributions to the sport, hoping he would leave the octagon with his health intact.
In other notable fights on the card, Giga Chikadze faced David Onama in what was expected to be a striking showcase. Chikadze, known for his kickboxing prowess, managed to secure a victory, stopping Onama and handing him the first knockout loss of his career. Meanwhile, Andre Muniz fought Ikram Aliskerov in a crucial middleweight bout. Muniz, who was on the verge of being cut from the UFC, needed a win to keep his career alive.
As the event concluded, the excitement in the T-Mobile Center was palpable. Fans were treated to a night of high-stakes matchups and thrilling finishes that showcased the depth of talent in the UFC. With Garry's victory, the welterweight division is set for even more intense competition, as he looks to climb back into title contention. Meanwhile, Prates, despite the loss, proved he belongs among the elite and will likely return stronger than ever.
The UFC Kansas City event highlighted the ongoing evolution of the sport, with new stars emerging and veterans facing the reality of their careers. With each fight, the stakes continue to rise, and fans can only anticipate what’s next in this ever-exciting world of mixed martial arts.
