On the heels of an audience-powered double delight with UFC 298 and UFC Fight Night 237, the action shifts back to the UFC Apex for the fourth time in 2024 with a card headlined by heavyweight powerhouses.
Jairzinho Rozenstruik vs. Shamil Gaziev
Rozenstruik aims to show that he is still a tough test to pass in order to climb into the upper tier in the heavyweight division. Meanwhile, Gaziev, in only his second appearance on the grand stage of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, is savoring the rush of opportunities presented by the organization recognizing his stellar record. The Bahraini is undefeated in 12 professional fights, with 11 finishes to his name. Rozenstruik, with just a single victory in his last four outings, will be looking to tap into the spectacular form that catapulted him within arm’s reach of championship contention.
“Bigi Boy” was arguably one of the breakout prospects of 2019, rattling four straight finishes since making his UFC debut. While he has struggled of late, it is important to note that Rozenstruik’s losses have come against fighters at the top of the division—a caliber of opponent Gaziev has yet to encounter. Beyond this sharp piece of matchmaking, Rozenstruik is also vying to fight for his spot in the Sherdog heavyweight rankings, where he is currently placed at No. 14. Gaziev, on the other hand, can make a commanding statement with a power-packed performance that may seemingly influence the tilt of rankings in his favor. While all of that depends on what they have to offer this weekend, the stakes certainly make for an electrifying clash for the fans.
Alex Perez vs. Muhammad Mokaev
Top 10 flyweights will clash in a main card meeting at UFC Fight Night 238, as Perez takes on Mokaev in a crucial matchup that will shape the landscape of the division further. Perez has been a mainstay on the loaded flyweight roster, boasting a wealth of experience and a secure spot in the division’s Top 10. Beyond that, he also has plenty of room to continue developing, even though two submissions losses in previous outings at the hands of Deiveson Figueiredo and Alexandre Pantoja suggest diminished authority.
Meanwhile, Mokaev requires no introduction. Clocking in at No. 8 in the divisional rankings, Mokaev has maintained an untarnished record in almost a dozen fights, rattling five victories in the UFC, with four submission finishes. There are certainly title implications with this battle between tremendously paired rivals with similar championship aspirations who are operating on different timelines. As far as their spots in the Sherdog rankings are concerned, Perez occupies the No. 10 position while Mokaev is ranked at No. 14. Both fighters can revel in a successful outcome to rebuff their advances and solidify their place in the hierarchy.
Matt Schnell vs. Steve Erceg
The opening fight of the main card features a flyweight showdown between Schnell and Erceg. Schnell owns an erratic record, posting a 2-3 showing with a no contest in his past six outings. He did not compete in 2023, as he was unable to make it to two Octagon assignments. As of now, he occupies the No. 9 spot in the divisional rankings. Erceg’s 2023 campaign was a resounding success, kicking things off with a UFC debut win over David Dvorak on short notice before successfully notching a unanimous decision win against short-notice replacement Alessandro Costa in November. The Aussie has earned 10 straight wins and occupies the No. 12 spot in the official rankings but has yet to break into the Sherdog rankings. With that said, victory against Sherdog-ranked No. 11 contender in Schnell could certainly propel him into the rankings.
Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Bekzat Almakhan
The Nurmagomedov name holds weight and esteem in mixed martial arts. The unbeaten Russian holds a perfect 16-0 record, with four of his wins having come in the UFC, leading up to his fight against Almakhan. Meanwhile, Almakhan arrives on an eight-fight winning streak and wields a 14-1 record overall, with the aim of orchestrating an upset victory. The battle of the prospects makes for an exciting clash. Beyond that, both fighters will be vying for a spot in the Sherdog bantamweight rankings, where Nurmagomedov occupies the No. 14 spot.