UFC Kansas City is set for a significant welterweight clash in its main event, featuring Ian Machado Garry and Carlos Prates. This matchup holds considerable importance for the 170-pound title picture. For Garry, a victory would immediately put him back into contention following his close decision loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov. If Prates emerges victorious, it would mark his fifth consecutive win and continue the impressive momentum of the “Fighting Nerds” representative, who had a breakout year in 2024.
Let`s delve into the potential outcomes and look at some noteworthy picks for the event.
Main Event Pick: Ian Machado Garry
While Carlos Prates is an exciting fighter to watch, this fight presents a significant challenge to his recent run of success. Despite criticisms he sometimes faces, Ian Machado Garry is undeniably a highly skilled young competitor. His recent bout against a highly-touted contender like Shavkat Rakhmonov demonstrated his talent and ability to present difficult matchups for opponents across all areas of the fight.
Prates is known for dynamic and dangerous striking but can sometimes be overly aggressive. Garry is also dangerous on the feet, but holds an advantage in the grappling department. Combining these factors, along with potentially better cardio given Prates` noted habit, suggests Garry has multiple paths to victory and several small advantages that could lead him to a win on Saturday.
Other Featured Picks
Andre Muniz vs. Ikram Aliskerov: Andre Muniz Pick
While Ikram Aliskerov is correctly favored in this middleweight bout, the odds might be wider than warranted. Despite some recent setbacks, Andre Muniz remains a dangerous grappler, particularly with his submission skills. Aliskerov is a good wrestler, but perhaps not elite enough to completely neutralize Muniz`s ground threat. If Muniz can secure grappling exchanges, he has a real chance to make something significant happen.
Chelsea Chandler vs. Joselyne Edwards: Chelsea Chandler Pick
The opening bout features Chelsea Chandler against Joselyne Edwards, and the odds seem off here. Edwards is not an insurmountable opponent and has shown vulnerabilities against defensive wrestling. Chandler, despite her own flaws, has the capability to secure takedowns and turn the fight into a grinding affair. Chandler`s losses have come only against established fighters in the bantamweight division, suggesting she is being underestimated against Edwards. While Edwards might be the slight favorite, the current odds are excessive.
Anthony Smith vs. Zhang Mingyang: Zhang Mingyang KO/TKO in Round 1 Pick
This is a difficult pick to make emotionally, as Anthony Smith is potentially making his final walk to the cage. However, considering the significant mileage he has accumulated in his career and the state of his chin, the matchup is unfavorable. Zhang Mingyang is a powerful striker who is known for finishing fights quickly. His track record shows a tendency to end bouts in the first round. Expect Zhang to come out aggressively and aim for a quick knockout, likely within the opening round.
Randy Brown vs. Nicolas Dalby: Randy Brown by Points Pick
This welterweight clash between Randy Brown and Nicolas Dalby can be analyzed relatively simply: Randy Brown is the more versatile overall fighter, and Nicolas Dalby is exceptionally durable and rarely gets finished. This combination points strongly towards a decision victory for Brown. Dalby has been on a good run, but he is older, and Brown possesses more dynamic skills that should allow him to win enough exchanges and rounds to secure a points victory, earning him the decision.
