UFC Kansas City: Picks & Predictions

UFC Kansas City is set to deliver an electrifying night of fights on April 26, 2025, at the T-Mobile Center. The main event features a compelling welterweight showdown between Ireland's Ian Machado Garry and Brazil's rising star Carlos Prates. Garry, eager to rebound from his first professional loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov, has confidently predicted a dominant performance, asserting that Prates "isn't a real fighter" and vowing to leave him unconscious in the Octagon. The co-main event sees veteran light heavyweight Anthony Smith take on China's Zhang Mingyang in what Smith has confirmed will be his retirement fight. With a card stacked with intriguing matchups, UFC Kansas City promises a night of surprises and high-stakes action.

Edwards vs. Chandler

The opening bout between Chelsea Chandler and Joselyne Edwards sets the tone for a night of tough matchups, though it’s not without questions. Chandler enters with an unimpressive record and has often relied more on her physicality than technique, especially when matched against undersized opponents. However, Edwards, while not elite, has shown steady technical improvements and won't be outsized in this matchup — both fighters are large for the division and have previously missed weight. Edwards’ striking and composure should carry her to a decision win, though a submission wouldn’t be out of the question if Chandler gets reckless. With another loss, Chandler may find herself on the UFC chopping block.

Edwards via. Decision

Romero vs. Cuamba

Roberto Romero vs. Timothy Cuamba is one of those matchups that quietly carries a lot of intrigue. Both fighters are young prospects with loads of potential, but they bring very different energies to the cage. Cuamba is clean and technical, though his performances so far have lacked urgency — he often seems a step away from pulling the trigger. Romero, on the other hand, is raw but dangerous, bringing a wild, aggressive style backed by real power and a relentless mindset. It’s a true clash of polish vs. pressure, and while it’s likely to be close, Cuamba’s measured approach and cleaner technique should earn him the nod on the scorecards. Win or lose, both men have upside, and it would be a shame to see either cut this early.

Cuamba via Decision

Viana vs. Amorim

Polyana Viana vs. Jaqueline Amorim feels like a showcase fight designed to highlight Amorim’s skillset. Viana, while popular among fans, has struggled against pressure and tends to wilt when faced with relentless offense — something Amorim brings in spades. With solid striking, effective takedowns, and truly elite grappling, Amorim has all the tools to overwhelm Viana early. Unless Viana can land something big in the opening exchanges, it’s hard to see her keeping Amorim off of her. A first-round submission win for Amorim seems like the most likely outcome — and possibly a statement one at that.

Amorim via. Submission

Saaiman vs. Wellmaker

Cameron Saaiman vs. Malcolm Wellmaker is a battle of raw potential, where both fighters have plenty to prove. Saaiman once looked like a rising star but has stumbled in his last two outings, showing cracks when put under sustained pressure. Still, he remains a technical and efficient striker with sharp fundamentals, and training alongside middleweight champ Dricus Du Plessis certainly doesn’t hurt his growth. Wellmaker, fresh off a highlight-reel KO on Dana White’s Contender Series, is even less tested, powerful, but still very green. Expect a competitive scrap, but Saaiman’s cleaner technique and fight IQ should be enough to edge out a smart decision win.

Saaiman via. Decision

Alatengheili vs. Blackshear

Alatengheili vs. Da'Mon Blackshear is a clash between two of the most underrated bantamweights on the roster, and it has the makings of a gritty, high-paced scrap. Alatengheili enters with a solid 3-1-1 record in his last five, while Blackshear is riding momentum off a recent win over veteran Cody Gibson just a month ago. While Alatengheili is tough and dangerous, he often leans too heavily into one dimension — whether it’s wrestling or striking — which could cost him against a well-rounded and scrappy fighter like Blackshear. If Alatengheili wrestles, he risks getting caught in a sub; if he strikes, he’ll likely get outworked. Blackshear’s versatility and pace should earn him a decision win, though a late submission wouldn’t be surprising. The winner here should be knocking on the door of the rankings.

Blackshear via. Decision

Gutierrez vs. Castaneda

Chris Gutierrez vs. John Castaneda is another underrated bantamweight gem, pitting two contrasting styles against each other. Gutierrez thrives at range, using slick movement and a steady diet of leg kicks to control tempo and frustrate opponents. Castaneda, on the other hand, is a gritty grinder who looks to close the distance, land dirty boxing, and mix in opportunistic wrestling. While Gutierrez has had more consistent success in the UFC, Castaneda’s relentless work rate and adaptability make him a tough puzzle to solve. If he can keep the pressure on and make it a dogfight, expect Castaneda to edge out a hard-fought decision. This could be a sneaky Fight of the Night contender.

Castaneda via. Decision

Elder vs. Hassanzada

Ahmad Hassanzada vs. Evan Elder feels like a mismatch on paper, and honestly, it’s hard to see it playing out any other way. Hassanzada didn’t exactly impress in his two Contender Series appearances, going 1-1 with forgettable showings, and it’s been reported that Dana White wasn’t sold on signing him, only giving the green light after Sean Shelby pushed for it. Meanwhile, Elder maybe 2-2 in the UFC, but he's never had a bad performance and arguably should be 3-1 if not for a doctor stoppage loss against Nazim Sadykhov. He’s aggressive, powerful, and brings a relentless pace that Hassanzada hasn’t shown he can deal with. Considering Sadykhov, who TKO’d Hassanzada, barely squeaked past Elder, this feels like a clear path to a highlight-reel KO for Evan Elder.

Elder via. KO

Schnell vs. Flick

Matt Schnell’s retirement fight is a bittersweet moment, as the longtime flyweight staple prepares to leave the sport after years of high-octane battles that have chipped away at his durability. Schnell has always been a dog in the cage — tough, aggressive, and willing to trade with anyone — and it’s that exact fighting spirit that’s both defined and shortened his career. He draws Jimmy Flick for his final outing, a fighter known for being outclassed in most areas until he snatches a submission from nowhere. Yet, Schnell has faced and beaten far tougher competition, and against someone as limited as Flick, he should be comfortable wherever the fight goes. Expect Schnell to make a statement in his sendoff — Schnell by KO in a strong final performance.

Schnell via. KO

Muniz vs. Aliskerov

Rebooked after some delays, Andre Muniz vs. Ikram Aliskerov feels like a bounce-back opportunity tailor-made for the surging Russian. While Aliskerov’s last appearance ended in a first-round loss to Robert Whittaker, that came on short notice against one of the best in the division, hardly a knock on his potential. Muniz, a dangerous BJJ specialist, has repeatedly shown a tendency to fold when pressured and taken out of his comfort zone. That’s exactly what Ikram brings: forward pressure, heavy hands, solid wrestling, and underrated grappling defense. With Muniz unable to force the fight to the mat on his terms, expect a violent and early KO from Aliskerov. He’s a -700 favorite for a reason — this one could be quick.

Aliskerov via. KO

Brown vs. Dalby

Randy Brown vs. Nicolas Dalby is a classic case of a surging talent meeting an ageless workhorse. Dalby, now 40, continues to defy expectations with gritty, well-rounded performances and an underrated ability to drag opponents into uncomfortable fights. However, Randy Brown is in his prime and widely regarded as one of the sharpest strikers in the division. Many believe he was robbed in a razor-close fight against Bryan Battle, and he’ll be looking to make a clear statement here. With his length, movement, and precision striking, Brown should be able to control range and rack up points en route to a solid decision win — a victory that could finally push him closer to a ranked opponent.

Brown via. Decision

Pereira vs. Magomedov

Michel Pereira vs. Abus Magomedov is a matchup of explosive starters with notoriously questionable gas tanks, which means this one is unlikely to see the judges. Pereira’s last performance was marred by cardio issues, but outside of that slip, he’s looked like a real force at middleweight — aggressive, athletic, and hard-hitting. Luckily for him, Abus has had similar struggles with endurance and often fades after the first round. Both fighters will be hunting for a quick finish, but Pereira’s speed, power, and unpredictability give him the edge in that chaos. Expect fireworks early, and Pereira to land the kill shot first for a quick KO.

Pereira via. KO

Chikadze vs. Onama

Giga Chikadze vs. David Onama is a compelling striker’s duel between finesse and firepower. While Giga may have fallen short of the superstar expectations once placed on him, he remains a highly technical and efficient striker with some of the sharpest kicks in the division. Onama, on the other hand, is a powerful and dangerous finisher riding the momentum of recent success, but he often thrives in chaotic, high-risk exchanges. If Giga can avoid getting lured into a brawl and stick to his disciplined, outside striking game, he should be able to outpoint Onama over three rounds. It’s a fight that will likely come down to who dictates the pace, and Giga’s control and shot selection give him the edge for a smart decision win.

Chikadze via. Decision

Zhang vs. Smith

The co-main event marks the end of an era as Anthony Smith steps into the Octagon one final time, facing rising powerhouse Mingyang Zhang. On paper, Zhang is the obvious favorite — he’s younger, surging, and has finished all of his wins with violent efficiency. Meanwhile, Smith looked flat in his last outing and has openly acknowledged the physical toll of his career. However, if there’s one thing we’ve seen time and time again, it’s Smith spoiling the rise of fighters who aren’t quite ready for the moment. Zhang thrives in striking battles, but if Smith can drag this into deeper waters or get it to the ground, a crafty submission or hard-earned decision isn't out of the question. It's a risky pick, but don’t be shocked if the veteran goes out with one last gritty win.

Smith via. Decision

Garry vs. Prates

The main event may have come together on short notice, but Ian Garry vs. Carlos Prates is a banger between two promising contenders with very different styles. Garry enters as the more technical and battle-tested fighter, showing poise and adaptability in his recent win over MVP, though he was outstruck early before leaning on his grappling to grind out a decision. Prates, on the other hand, brings serious power and aggression, and while his wrestling isn't a strength, he’s been tightening up his takedown defense just enough to stay on his feet. If he can keep it standing, he has the tools to outstrike Garry and land the more damaging shots. As the fight wears on and Garry’s entries get more desperate, look for Prates to find his moment — a late KO to cap off a true coming-out party.

Prates via. KO