Gentle heavyweight prospect Raffael Cerqueira is heading straight to UFC after dropping two potential opponents for a Contender Collection card in September, the promotion introduced. Cerqueira now faces Ibo Aslan at UFC 308, which takes place Oct. 26 in Abu Dhabi.
A teammate of Jailton Almeida at Brazil’s Galpão da Luta, Cerqueira (11-0) was beforehand paired up towards Uran Satybaldiev at DWCS on Sept. 10, nevertheless Satybaldiev ultimately withdrew and was changed by Patryk Grabowski, who later stepped down as properly. Cerqueira was then anticipated to combat Francesco Mazzeo earlier than the promotion modified plans and signed him for UFC 308.
Aslan (13-1) returns to the octagon following a Combat of the Night time victory in March, which noticed him knock out Anton Turkalj within the third spherical of their UFC Atlantic Metropolis bout. “The Final Ottoman” is presently driving a five-fight ending streak that features a first-round knockout over Paulo Renato Jr. at DWCS in august of 2023.
Cerqueira has been calling for a UFC shot since late 2023. In a December interview with MMA Combating, he requested UFC CEO Dana White and matchmaker Mick Maynard, “What else do I have to do to show my price and present I’m able to combat on the earth’s largest group?”
“Each fighter says they should be within the UFC, however I’m proving it,” Cerqueira stated on the time. “In the event you watch my fights, they’re not taking lengthy. … I’m simply ready Mick and Dana White to take a look at me and provides me a chance to indicate my worth on the earth’s largest group so I could make historical past within the UFC.”
UFC 308 takes place at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Enviornment and options Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway in a five-round battle for the featherweight title because the headlining attraction. Take a look at the up to date lineup under.
