The highly anticipated main event at UFC Kansas City features Ian Machado Garry and Carlos Prates.
This Saturday`s main event is a crucial welterweight clash with significant title implications. A victory for Garry would propel him back into the 170-pound title picture, especially after his close contest with Shavkat Rakhmonov. For Prates, a win would mark his fifth consecutive victory, solidifying his position as a breakout star in 2024 and potentially keeping the `Fighting Nerds` momentum going.
So, who is favored to win this weekend? And what about other notable fights on the card? Let`s explore some of the best betting opportunities.
Ian Machado Garry
Picking against Carlos Prates feels difficult; he`s undoubtedly an exciting fighter and easy to root for. However, I anticipate this fight could be the first major challenge to his recent momentum.
While fans have various criticisms of Garry, both fair and unfair, his exceptional talent is undeniable. His fight against Shavkat Rakhmonov highlighted this, as he came very close to handing the undefeated fighter (and potential future champion) his first loss. While Rakhmonov may have been dealing with injuries, much of Garry`s success in that bout was due to his well-rounded skillset, which poses significant challenges in all areas of the fight. This versatility is the primary concern for Prates.
Prates, who I`m tentatively nicknaming `The Marlboro Man` due to his style, is a dynamic and dangerous striker but can sometimes be reckless. Garry is also a threat on the feet in his own right. Furthermore, Garry possesses a superior grappling game and likely better cardio, especially considering the author`s observation about Prates` smoking habits. These cumulative small advantages point towards a victory for Garry on Saturday.
Andre Muniz
Andre Muniz is scheduled to face Ikram Aliskerov. While Aliskerov is rightly favored, the current odds seem too wide. Muniz has faced some recent difficulties but remains a highly dangerous grappler. Aliskerov is a capable wrestler, but not necessarily an elite one. If Muniz can manage to control Aliskerov in the grappling exchanges, he stands a solid chance of securing a victory.
Chelsea Chandler
Chelsea Chandler is set to compete against Joselyne Edwards, potentially in one of the earlier fights on the card. The current odds appear significantly skewed. Edwards is not considered an elite fighter and lacks strong defensive wrestling. While Chandler has her own weaknesses, she is capable of securing takedowns and turning the fight into a tough, grinding affair. Chandler`s only losses at bantamweight have come against well-regarded opponents. While Edwards might arguably deserve to be the favorite, the margin in the odds seems excessive.
Zhang Mingyang KO/TKO in Round 1
Writing this pick brings little joy, but it feels necessary. Saturday could potentially see Anthony Smith`s final walk to the octagon, and it`s difficult to anticipate a positive outcome for him. While not old in chronological age, Smith has accumulated significant wear and tear throughout his career, particularly affecting his chin, which was never his most resilient attribute and has diminished over time.
Zhang Mingyang is known as a powerful striker who typically finishes fights quickly rather than going the distance. Notably, his last 15 bouts have all concluded within the first round. It is reasonable to expect a similar outcome in this fight.
Randy Brown by Points
The logic here is straightforward: Randy Brown is the superior all-around fighter, combined with the fact that Nicolas Dalby is notoriously difficult to finish. This equation points towards a Randy Brown victory by decision. While Dalby has been performing well recently, he is older, and Brown possesses a more dynamic skillset. This should result in a relatively clear decision win for “Rude Boy”.
Enjoy watching the fights this weekend, and best of luck with your wagers. Please remember to gamble responsibly.
Wesley Dunham