The UFC Saudi Arabia event is struggling to come together for Saturday, February 1. Two fights were canceled between January 26-27 for different reasons.
UFC Saudi Arabia – Muniz Vs. Aliskerov Canceled
On Sunday, Andre Muniz told fans that he had to pull out of his fight with Ikram Aliskerov because of visa problems. Muniz had hoped to continue the success he had in 2019 when he joined the UFC after winning on the Dana White Contender Series.
He’ll need to plan his comeback for later. Similarly, Aliskerov wanted to recover from his first-round knockout loss to Robert Whittaker in June 2024.
The fight was canceled again, making it the second time it was planned but then called off.
UFC Saudi Arabia – Al-Selwady vs. Oki Cancelled
On Monday, the fight between Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady and Bolaji Oki was called off. Al-Selwady shared the news that Oki had pulled out of the fight.
It looks like Al-Selwady wasn’t meant to fight on this event. He was supposed to fight Jordan Leavitt, but Leavitt also dropped out.
Al-Selwady, who is 29, is excited to get into the Octagon. Like Muniz and many other fighters, he earned his spot in the UFC after appearing on Dana White’s Contender Series. Unfortunately, Al-Selwady lost his first fight in the UFC to Loik Radzhabov by knockout in the third round in March 2024.
Al-Selwady will feel pressure to win his next fight, no matter who his opponent is.
Oki earned his place on the team during the same season of DWCS as Al-Selwady. He started off well with a split-decision win against Timmy Cuamba in February 2024.
However, in his last fight, Oki had a tough time. Chris Duncan submitted him in the first round, making his next fight very important for his future in the sport.
Both fighters need to reschedule. Fortunately, the main and co-main events for UFC Saudi Arabia are still going ahead. Israel Adesanya is looking to make another run for the title, but first, he has to beat Nassourdine Imavov.
Middleweight fighter Shara Magomedov will face his toughest challenge yet against the experienced striker Michael “Venom” Page in the co-main event.
Here’s the UFC Saudi Arabia fight card in simpler language:
- Israel Adesanya vs. Nassourdine Imavov – Middleweight (185 lbs)
- Sharabutdin Magomedov vs. Michael Page – Middleweight (185 lbs)
- Sergei Pavlovich vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik – Heavyweight (265 lbs)
- Said Nurmagomedov vs. Vinicius Oliveira – Bantamweight (135 lbs)
- Ikram Aliskerov vs. André Muniz – Middleweight (185 lbs) – CANCELED
- Muhammad Naimov vs. Kaan Ofli – Featherweight (145 lbs)
- Shamil Gaziev vs. Thomas Petersen – Heavyweight (265 lbs)
- Terrance McKinney vs. Damir Hadžović – Lightweight (155 lbs)
- Fares Ziam vs. Mike Davis – Lightweight (155 lbs)
- Jasmine Jasudavicius vs. Mayra Bueno Silva – Flyweight (125 lbs)
- Bogdan Grad vs. Lucas Alexander – Featherweight (145 lbs)
- Hamdy Abdelwahab vs. Jamal Pogues – Heavyweight (265 lbs)
- Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady vs. Bolaji Oki – Lightweight (155 lbs) – CANCELED
Keep an eye out for coverage as we get closer to fight week.
Published: 28th January 2025
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