A host of exciting matchups have been confirmed as the UFC continues to build its fall schedule. Here’s a look at some of the most notable fights the matchmaking team booked this week.
Michel Pereira vs. Kyle Daukaus – UFC Shanghai, August 23
Kyle Daukaus (15-4 MMA, 2-4 UFC) returns to the Octagon for the first time in more than two and a half years, stepping in on just two weeks’ notice to replace the injured Marco Tulio against Michel Pereira (31-13 MMA, 9-4 UFC).
Since his last UFC appearance in December 2022, Daukaus has gone 4-0, winning and defending the Cage Fury middleweight title. Pereira, meanwhile, is on a two-fight skid, with recent losses to Anthony Hernandez and Abus Magomedov.
Junior Tafa vs. Ibo Aslan – UFC Perth, September 27
After a lackluster showing against Billy Elekana at UFC Abu Dhabi a few weeks ago, Ibo Aslan (14-3 MMA, 2-2 UFC) gets a shot at redemption when he faces Junior Tafa (6-4 MMA, 2-4 UFC) in enemy territory this September. With both fighters struggling for wins, the loser’s UFC tenure could be in jeopardy.
Jimmy Crute vs. Ivan Erslan – UFC Perth, September 27
Fresh off his first UFC win in five years this July, Jimmy Crute (13-4-2 MMA, 5-4-2 UFC) makes a quick turnaround to face Ivan Erslan (14-5 MMA, 0-2 UFC), who is still chasing his first UFC victory after two attempts.
Abus Magomedov vs. Joe Pyfer – UFC 320, October 4
Joe Pyfer (14-3 MMA, 5-1 UFC) has been rewarded for his knockout of Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 316 in June with a matchup against No. 14-ranked middleweight Abus Magomedov (28-6-1 MMA, 4-2 UFC).
“Bodybagz” has four stoppage wins in the UFC and could break into the top tier at 185 pounds if he can halt Magomedov’s current three-fight winning streak.
Veronica Hardy vs. Brogan Walker – UFC 320, October 4
Veronica Hardy (9-5-1 MMA, 4-5 UFC) will try to get back in the win column when she meets Brogan Walker (7-4 MMA, 0-2 UFC). Hardy’s three-fight streak ended with a decision loss to Eduarda Moura at UFC 309 last November. Walker returns after more than two years away, still searching for her first UFC victory.
Charles Oliveira vs. Rafael Fiziev – UFC Rio de Janeiro, October 11
Former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira (35-11 MMA, 23-11 UFC) makes a quick return after his knockout loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 317 in June. “Do Bronx” headlines the Rio card against Rafael Fiziev (13-4 MMA, 7-4 UFC) in a five-round main event.
Jafel Fialho vs. Clayton Carpenter – UFC Rio de Janeiro, October 11
Nova União flyweight Jafel Fialho (16-4 MMA, 2-2 UFC) gets a hometown fight against MMA Lab’s Clayton Carpenter (8-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC). Both have showcased slick submission skills in their UFC careers, promising a grappling-heavy clash for the Rio crowd.
Bruno Silva vs. HyunSung Park – UFC Vancouver, October 18
HyunSung Park (10-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) looks to rebound from his first professional loss—suffered against Tatsuro Taira at UFC Vegas 108—when he meets Bruno Silva (15-7-1 MMA, 4-4 UFC) in Canada this fall.
Marlon Vera vs. Aiemann Zahabi – UFC Vancouver, October 18
Former bantamweight title challenger Marlon “Chito” Vera (23-10 MMA, 15-9 UFC) returns from a 14-month layoff to face rising contender Aiemann Zahabi (13-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC). Vera has dropped his last two fights, to Sean O’Malley and Deiveson Figueiredo. Zahabi, riding a seven-fight winning streak capped by a win over Jose Aldo in May, has surged into the bantamweight top 10.
