This page provides live updates and coverage for the light heavyweight co-main event at UFC Kansas City, taking place at the T-Mobile Center. The featured bout pits veteran Anthony Smith against the ascending contender Zhang Mingyang.
Anthony “Lionheart” Smith is set for his 25th appearance in the octagon, which will also be his final professional fight. A former challenger for the light heavyweight title, Smith has been a prominent figure in the UFC since 2016. Despite facing a tough stretch with a 2-5 record in his last seven bouts, Smith is ready to conclude his career phase. He`s not seeking an easy exit, choosing to defend his No. 15 ranking against a formidable and rapidly improving opponent in his farewell match.
While Carlos Prates delivered a memorable UFC debut in 2024, Zhang Mingyang also made a significant impact. As a product of the “Road to UFC” series, Zhang competed twice last year, securing first-round knockout victories in both outings. His performance earned him an extra $50,000 bonus for “Performance of the Night.” “Mountain Tiger” aims to extend his perfect octagon record to 3-0 and enter the 205-pound rankings following his fight on Saturday.
Follow along with the live blog for Anthony Smith vs. Zhang Mingyang below for round-by-round analysis and updates.