Carlos Prates vs. Ian Machado Garry Headlines UFC Kansas City on April 26

The UFC has officially announced a shake-up to its upcoming Fight Night event in Kansas City, Missouri, with a new welterweight main event featuring Ireland’s Ian Machado Garry and Brazil’s Carlos Prates. The bout, set for April 26 at the T-Mobile Center, promises fireworks as two dynamic fighters collide in a pivotal matchup for the welterweight division

‼️ We have a NEW main event for #UFCKansasCity

Carlos Prates will now take on Ian Garry in a 5 round main event on April 26th 🔥🔥

Per: Dana White IG Live pic.twitter.com/Fl2be0dNVC

— Garrett Kerman (@FightAnalystLLC) April 1, 2025

A Clash of Styles: The Nightmare Meets The Future

Carlos Prates, nicknamed “The Nightmare,” enters this fight riding an incredible wave of momentum. The Brazilian has been unstoppable since joining the UFC roster in 2024, amassing four wins—all by knockout—and earning Performance of the Night bonuses in each outing. His victims include seasoned veterans like Neil Magny and Li Jingliang, both dispatched before the end of Round 2. Known for his devastating striking and switch stance flexibility, Prates has quickly established himself as one of the most dangerous finishers in the division.

Carlos Prates faceplants Neil Magny and it took him a while to wake up… #UFCVegas100 pic.twitter.com/2WqF31m0Xf

— Shakiel Mahjouri (@Shak_Fu) November 10, 2024

On the other side of the Octagon stands Ian Machado Garry, “The Future,” who is looking to rebound from his first professional loss. Garry suffered a decision defeat to Shavkat Rakhmonov last December in what was billed as a title eliminator. Despite the setback, Garry’s UFC record remains impressive at 8-1, with three finishes and victories over top-tier opponents during his rise through the ranks. The Irishman combines technical striking with a black belt in judo, making him a versatile threat capable of adapting to any opponent.

This matchup is not only a clash of styles but also a battle between two fighters at different points in their careers. Prates is surging with confidence and knockout power, while Garry is eager to prove that his loss was merely a bump in the road toward championship contention.

High Stakes in Kansas City

The stakes for this fight are monumental. For Carlos Prates, a victory over Garry could propel him into the upper echelon of the welterweight rankings and position him as a legitimate title contender. His ability to finish fights has already captured fans’ attention, and another dominant performance would solidify his status as one of the division’s most exciting prospects.

For Ian Machado Garry, this fight represents redemption. After an undefeated streak that saw him touted as one of the brightest stars in MMA, his loss to Rakhmonov raised questions about his readiness for elite competition. A win against Prates would silence doubters and reestablish him as a serious threat to the welterweight crown.

Kansas City’s T-Mobile Center will provide an electric atmosphere for this high-stakes showdown. With passionate MMA fans eager to witness world-class action, this main event promises to deliver drama and excitement from start to finish.

What Makes This Fight Special?

Both fighters bring unique qualities that make this matchup compelling:

• Carlos Prates: Known for his relentless aggression and knockout power, Prates has finished 10 consecutive opponents by KO/TKO across MMA and kickboxing competitions. His ability to overwhelm opponents early makes him one of the most feared strikers in the sport.
• Ian Machado Garry: Garry’s technical precision and adaptability have been key to his success. At 6’3″ with a 74-inch reach advantage, he uses his range effectively while maintaining composure under pressure—a stark contrast to Prates’ explosive style.

This fight is more than just a main event; it’s a crossroads bout that will shape the future trajectory of both athletes. Whether it’s Prates continuing his meteoric rise or Garry reclaiming his status as “The Future,” fans can expect an unforgettable night.

UFC Kansas City is shaping up to be one of the standout events of 2025. With additional bouts featuring Anthony Smith vs. Zhang Mingyang and Giga Chikadze vs. David Onama on the card, April 26 promises action-packed entertainment for fight fans worldwide. Don’t miss what could be a defining moment in the careers of Carlos Prates and Ian Machado Garry!