The Ultimate Fighting Championship returned to action on April 26, 2025, with a thrilling UFC Fight Night event held at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. The night was headlined by a welterweight showdown between Ian Machado Garry and Carlos Prates, two formidable fighters looking to make their mark in the octagon.
Ian Machado Garry, boasting a record of 15 wins and only 1 loss, entered the fight with a reputation as a rising star in the UFC. His only defeat came in a previous bout against Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310, a setback that Garry was eager to rectify. On the other side of the cage was Carlos Prates, who held a record of 21 wins and 6 losses. Prates was coming off a notable first-round knockout victory over Neil Magny, showcasing his striking power and determination.
The night kicked off with prelims that began at 6 p.m. ET, featuring a host of exciting matchups. Among them, Matt Schnell faced Jimmy Flick, while Evan Elder took on Gauge Young. Both fights set the tone for an electrifying evening filled with anticipation and excitement.
As the main card commenced at 9 p.m. ET, the atmosphere in the arena was electric. The co-main event featured a light heavyweight clash between Anthony Smith and Mingyang Zhang. Smith, a veteran of the sport, was looking to turn around his fortunes after two consecutive losses. Meanwhile, Zhang entered the bout with momentum, having scored two first-round knockouts in previous fights.
In another highly anticipated matchup, featherweight contenders Giga Chikadze and David Onama squared off. Chikadze, ranked #12 in the division, was eager to prove his worth after missing weight and forfeiting 20% of his purse to Onama. This added an extra layer of intrigue to the bout, as both fighters sought to establish themselves in the competitive featherweight landscape.
Michel Pereira faced Abus Magomedov in a middleweight bout, with Pereira looking to bounce back after having an impressive eight-fight win streak snapped. The main card also featured Randy Brown taking on Nicolas Dalby, rounding out a night filled with high-stakes matchups.
Throughout the event, fans were treated to a display of skill, heart, and determination. The prelims showcased several standout performances, including a TKO victory by Joselyne Edwards over Chelsea Chandler in the first round. Edwards' explosive finish set the stage for what was to come later in the night.
Timmy Cuamba also made a name for himself with a second-round TKO over Roberto Romero, while Jaqueline Amorim continued her impressive streak, submitting Polyana Viana in the second round. These performances highlighted the depth of talent within the UFC and the potential for future stars to emerge from the organization.
As the main card unfolded, Ian Machado Garry faced Carlos Prates in a contest that had fans on the edge of their seats. Garry, favored to win at $1.72, was determined to showcase his skills and reclaim his position as a top contender in the welterweight division. Prates, however, was not to be underestimated, having shown his knockout power in previous bouts.
In the co-main event, Anthony Smith's experience was put to the test against the youthful energy of Mingyang Zhang. Zhang, favored at $1.20, aimed to maintain his winning streak and establish himself as a serious contender in the light heavyweight division.
Giga Chikadze's bout against David Onama was another focal point of the night, with both fighters looking to secure a crucial victory in their careers. Onama was favored at $1.57, but Chikadze's skill set and determination made for a compelling matchup.
As the night progressed, the stakes only grew higher. Michel Pereira's fight against Abus Magomedov was a clash of styles, with Pereira's striking prowess going up against Magomedov's grappling skills. With Pereira favored at $1.62, fans were eager to see how this matchup would unfold.
Randy Brown's matchup against Nicolas Dalby saw Brown looking to bounce back from a previous loss, while Ikram Aliskerov faced Andre Muniz in a middleweight bout that promised to be a battle of attrition.
In the end, UFC Fight Night: Machado Garry vs. Prates delivered on its promise of excitement and drama. Fans were treated to a night filled with unforgettable moments, showcasing the very best of mixed martial arts. As the fighters left the octagon, the anticipation for future events continued to build, with each bout serving as a reminder of the incredible talent and competitive spirit within the UFC.
UFC Fight Night: Machado Garry vs. Prates was an event that highlighted the ever-evolving landscape of mixed martial arts, with each fighter striving to carve out their legacy in the sport. As the dust settled in Kansas City, fans were left eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the thrilling world of the UFC.
