Ian Machado Garry and Carlos Prates are set to face each other this weekend in a significant welterweight bout on the UFC fight card.
Both fighters stepped in on short notice to headline the event, and the outcome carries substantial implications for the winner`s path towards a title shot.
The 27-year-old Garry, returning to the Octagon, is coming off his first career loss against Shavkat Rakhmonov in December.
Despite the fight going the distance to a decision, many observers were impressed by Garry`s performance, noting that he held his ground effectively and nearly secured the win.
Known as one of the division`s most talented competitors, the Irishman aims to rebound with a victory. However, he faces a formidable challenge in the form of Carlos Prates, an ascending force in the UFC welterweight ranks.
The Brazilian contender has proven himself a dangerous opponent. After making a strong impression on Dana White`s Contender Series, Prates has quickly climbed the divisional rankings.
Significant knockout victories against Li Jingliang and Neil Magny have propelled the 31-year-old fighter to the 13th spot in the welterweight rankings, a remarkable achievement after only a year under the UFC banner.
Featured in the co-main event is long-time UFC veteran Anthony Smith, competing in what he announced will be his final fight, facing Zhang Mingyang in the Light Heavyweight division.
Following recent defeats to Roman Dolidze and Dominick Reyes, many speculated about the future of `Lionheart`. However, Smith himself has confirmed that this upcoming bout marks the conclusion of his fighting career.
His opponent is the promising Chinese contender Zhang Mingyang, who made a dramatic entrance into the UFC last year with first-round knockout wins over Ozzy Diaz and Brendson Ribeiro.
Event Timing and Location
- Ian Machado Garry vs Carlos Prates is scheduled for Saturday, April 26.
- The event will take place at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, USA.
- The preliminary card is expected to start at 11 pm BST, with the main card kicking off in the early hours of Sunday at 2 am BST.
How to Watch: TV and Live Stream Information
- The UFC Fight Night will be broadcast live on TNT Sports in the UK.
- You can stream all the action via the Discovery+ app, available for download on mobile and tablet devices.
Complete Fight Card
Main Card
- Ian Machado Garry vs Carlos Prates
- Anthony Smith vs Zhang Mingyang
- Giga Chikadze vs David Onama
- Michel Pereira vs Abus Magomedov
- Randy Brown vs Nicholas Dalby
- Ikram Aliskerov vs Andre Muniz
Prelims
- Matt Schnell vs Jimmy Flick
- Evan Elder vs Gauge Young
- Chris Gutierrez vs John Castaneda
- Da`mon Blackshear vs Alatengheili
- Malcom Wellmaker vs Cameron Saaiman
- Jaqueline Amorim vs Polyana Viana
- Timmy Cuamba vs Roberto Romero
- Chelsea Chandler vs Joselyne Edwards
