Lucas Alexander Returns to UFC After 441-Day Layoff

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — After a tumultuous 441-day layoff, Brazilian featherweight Lucas Alexander is set to return to the Octagon this Saturday at UFC Fight Night 250 in Riyadh. Alexander, who last fought in November 2023, suffered a knockout loss to Jeka Saragih in just 91 seconds. His return marks a pivotal moment in his career as he faces UFC debutant Bogdan Grad.

“I live in the present,” Alexander told Sherdog.com. “If someone is anxious about what happened in the past or about what may happen in the future, there’s no peace to be found in that. I focus on the present.”

Alexander’s journey back to the cage has been fraught with challenges. Following his loss to Saragih, he underwent surgery and faced multiple fight cancellations. “I needed surgery, and there were other issues,” he explained. “The UFC had a hard time booking me. I tried to fight in July, October, and even on the China card in November, but it didn’t happen. It happened when it was supposed to.”

His opponent, Bogdan Grad, enters the UFC with a 14-2 record, having earned his spot through Dana White’s Contender Series in August 2024. The Austria-based Romanian fighter secured a split decision win over Michael Aswell, marking his second attempt at the Contender Series after a knockout loss to Tom Nolan in 2023.

Alexander, who trains at the camp in Ocoee, Florida, under coaches Dominique Simmons, emphasized his preparation for the fight. “We’ve been working on my strength, mobility, flexibility, explosion, and speed,” he said. “I’m very happy with the work we did during this camp. I’m looking forward to making the weight and to winning this fight. I’m very hungry for a win.”

Grad, meanwhile, remains confident in his abilities. “I think having more experience is a factor, but sometimes, it makes no difference,” he said. “The advantage I see is the commitment I put into my training camp and the confidence I have in my coaches.”

The fight, scheduled for the undercard of UFC Fight Night 250, will take place at the ANB Arena in Riyadh. The preliminary card begins at 2:00 p.m. local time, with the main card starting at 5:00 p.m. The event will be broadcast on TNT Sports in the UK and ESPN+ in the U.S.

Alexander, known as “The Lion,” has a record of 8-4 and is looking to bounce back from his recent setbacks. Despite losing two of his three UFC fights, he remains determined to prove his worth in the promotion. Grad, on the other hand, aims to make a strong impression in his UFC debut, riding a three-fight win streak.

Both fighters bring explosive styles to the Octagon, making this bout unpredictable. While Grad’s recent form is impressive, Alexander’s experience at the UFC level could prove decisive. The fight is expected to be closely contested, with Alexander slightly favored to secure the win.