As this weekend's UFC Saudi Arabia approaches, it's not just the main event that's seeing changes – two bouts on the undercard have also seen last-minute changes, and some would argue that's a good thing.
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UFC has signed former Octagon bantamweight champion Felipe Lima, who has a record of 12 wins and 1 loss, on short notice to replace the injured Mersik Baghdasaryan and face Muhammad Naimov on the main card.
Lima has never lost since his professional MMA debut, having won 11 straight bouts, but will face a tough debut against Naimov, who is three inches taller and significantly larger at bantamweight.
Naimov put the Tajikistan on the map at UFC with an explosive TKO win over Jamie Mularkey in 2023, and will be looking to defend his six-fight winning streak against Lima this weekend in a fight not to be missed.
Cedric Dumas announced late Monday night that he would not be competing against Denis Tiuriulin in the Fight Night prelims. Dumas cited visa and flight issues but promised fans that more news about the bout would come soon.
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With Duma Tiuriullin out, the card will be reduced to 11 bouts unless UFC identifies a replacement, again at short notice, meaning fans tuning in to the event, which is being held for the first time in Saudi Arabia, may experience a slight delay in broadcast time.
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