UFC Fight Night: Heavyweight Bout Changes as Injury Forces Last-Minute Replacement

LAS VEGAS – The UFC has announced a significant change to the lineup for this weekend’s Fight Night event. Heavyweight Kennedy Nzechukwu has withdrawn from his bout with Martin Buday due to an unspecified injury. Newcomer Uran Satybaldiev will now step in on short notice for the fight at UFC on ESPN 65, which takes place at the UFC Apex.

The UFC confirmed the change on Thursday night. Satybaldiev, who boasts an undefeated record of 9-0 in mixed martial arts (MMA), joins the promotion with six TKO/KO wins and one submission victory in his career. The fighter known as “Gorilla” is making his UFC debut after capturing the LFA light heavyweight title, and he will be moving up a weight class for this match against Buday.

Buday, with a professional record of 14 wins and two losses (5-1 UFC), last competed in June, earning a split decision victory over former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski. Before that, he faced a setback, losing by TKO to fan-favorite heavyweight Shamil Gaziev.

As the event approaches, excitement is building among mixed martial arts fans. The card, which airs on ESPN and ESPN+, features several high-stakes matchups. Fans can visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for the latest updates and discussions surrounding the fight.

The atmosphere in Las Vegas is expected to be electric, as this weekend’s UFC Fight Night not only showcases newcomers like Satybaldiev but also experienced fighters seeking to solidify their standings in the UFC hierarchy.

Participants in the main card include renowned fighters such as Josh Emmett and Lerone Murphy, who will face off in a featherweight main event, alongside Joanderson Brito and Pat Sabatini in another featured bout. However, the weigh-ins revealed complications, with fighter Cortavious Romious missing the bantamweight limit by 3.5 pounds, incurring a fine. Additionally, Daniel Santos’s bout with Dave Grant was canceled after Santos failed to weigh in due to illness.

For all the latest updates and results from UFC on ESPN 65, fans are encouraged to follow the detailed coverage on MMA Junkie and engage with the community of MMA enthusiasts.