The UFC returned to Kansas City with a Fight Night event, featuring a main event between Ian Machado Garry and Carlos Prates, and Anthony Smith's retirement fight against Zhang Mingyang. Smith's career spanned across middleweight and light heavyweight divisions, culminating in a title shot against Jon Jones. Though he never secured a championship, he remained a prominent figure within the UFC. The organization is keen to promote emerging talents like Mingyang, especially as it expands into the Chinese market, and the main event sees Garry favored over Prates in their bout.
In a lengthy career that saw him compete first as a middleweight, then light heavyweight, Smith went all the way to a title shot against Jon Jones.
Smith's retirement at 36, in his 60th fight, is far from surprising. His opponent, Zhang Mingyang, might raise a few eyebrows, but the Chinese light heavyweight is no doubt someone the UFC wants to invest in.
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