The Ultimate Fighting Championship made its much-anticipated return to Kansas City on Saturday, April 26, 2025, for UFC on ESPN 66, held at the T-Mobile Center. The event was headlined by a thrilling welterweight clash between rising stars Ian Machado Garry and Carlos Prates, promising to be a pivotal moment in both fighters' careers.
Ian Machado Garry, known as "The Future," entered the octagon looking to rebound from his first career loss, which came in a closely contested battle against Shavkat Rakhmonov in December 2024. Garry, ranked No. 9 in the welterweight division, aimed to secure his place among the elite contenders with a victory over Prates, who has been making waves in the UFC.
On the other hand, Carlos Prates, nicknamed "The Nightmare," was riding high on a four-fight winning streak, all by knockout. The Brazilian contender, ranked an honorable mention, was eager to prove himself against Garry and solidify his status in the welterweight hierarchy. Prates was awarded the UFC’s Newcomer of the Year for 2024, and his explosive fighting style has garnered him a significant fanbase.
As the main event unfolded, both fighters showcased their striking prowess, with Garry employing his tactical approach to keep Prates at bay. However, Prates was relentless, looking for openings to unleash his powerful strikes. The tension in the arena was palpable as fans eagerly anticipated the outcome of this crucial matchup.
In the co-main event, veteran light heavyweight Anthony Smith faced the undefeated Zhang Mingyang in what was a significant fight for both competitors. This marked Smith's retirement bout, with the experienced fighter looking to go out on a high note against the rising star who had been undefeated since 2019. Zhang, known for his finishing ability, aimed to continue his ascent in the light heavyweight division.
Other notable fights on the main card included Giga Chikadze versus David Onama, Michel Pereira against Abus Magomedov, and Randy Brown taking on Nicolas Dalby. Each of these matchups brought its own intrigue, with fighters looking to make a statement and climb the rankings.
In the preliminary card, fans witnessed intense bouts featuring fighters such as Jimmy Flick, Matt Schnell, Evan Elder, Gauge Young, Chris Gutierrez, John Castaneda, and others. The excitement continued to build as each fighter aimed to leave their mark on the event.
As the night progressed, the predictions from MMA Junkie staff members showcased a mix of opinions on the outcomes of the fights. For the main event, the predictions were closely contested, with Prates receiving six votes and Garry five, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the outcome.
In the matchup between Ikram Aliskerov and Andre Muniz, Aliskerov was heavily favored with odds of -455, while Muniz was at +350. The staff predictions leaned towards Aliskerov, who was expected to secure a decisive victory.
Randy Brown was another fighter generating buzz, favored at -300 against Nicolas Dalby, with predictions suggesting a strong performance from Brown, who has been known for his striking capabilities.
Abus Magomedov faced Michel Pereira in a middleweight clash, with Pereira holding odds of -150. This fight was anticipated to be a technical showcase, with both fighters looking to assert their dominance in the octagon.
As the night culminated, the atmosphere was electric. Fans were treated to a night of high-stakes action, with fighters pushing themselves to the limits. The outcomes of these fights would not only affect the rankings but also shape the future trajectories of the competitors involved.
In conclusion, UFC on ESPN 66 in Kansas City was a memorable event, showcasing the best of mixed martial arts. As fighters like Ian Machado Garry and Carlos Prates battled for supremacy, the implications of their performances will resonate throughout the division. With the action still unfolding, fans eagerly awaited the final results and the next steps for their favorite fighters.
