The stage is officially set for an explosive night of mixed martial arts as all 28 athletes scheduled for Saturday’s blockbuster UFC fight card successfully navigated the scales during Friday morning’s official weigh-ins in Abu Dhabi. Anticipation has reached a fever pitch across the combat sports world, and with every fighter from the main event down to the early preliminary card making their necessary weight limits—with only a single exception—the promotion moves forward with an intact, high-stakes lineup destined to captivate fans worldwide.
The proceedings in the United Arab Emirates mark the final procedural hurdle before the athletes step inside the Octagon. Friday morning’s official weigh-in session, which kicked off late Thursday evening at 1 a.m. ET / 10 p.m. PT, provided the definitive numbers required by athletic oversight, while the vibrant ceremonial weigh-ins for the fans and media followed later in the morning at 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT. With the administrative requirements now firmly in the rearview mirror, attention turns entirely to the matchups themselves, anchored by two high-profile championship fights carrying immense divisional significance.
In the main event of the evening, reigning featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski prepares to put his coveted title on the line against the formidable, undefeated contender Movsar Evloev. Volkanovski, a dominant force who has long defined the upper echelon of the 145-pound weight class, stepped onto the scale and registered a crisp 144.5 pounds, comfortably beneath the championship limit. Across from him, the challenger Evloev tipped the scales right at the 145-pound threshold, ensuring that the championship main event is officially locked in. Both athletes carry elite skill sets and unyielding competitive drives into the Octagon, setting the table for a classic striker-versus-grappler tactical chess match that will test the absolute limits of the division’s elite.
Co-headlining the stacked pay-per-view card is a monumental trilogy bout that promises absolute fireworks in the bantamweight division. Bantamweight champion Petr Yan and perennial contender Merab Dvalishvili are set to lock horns for the third time in their storied rivalry, a pairing that has already produced some of the most memorable moments in recent weight-class history. The history between the two competitors stands dead even, with each man having secured a victory over the other across their previous encounters. Yan most recently claimed the gold this past December, capturing the title in a thrilling, hard-fought decision win over Dvalishvili during their unforgettable rematch at UFC 323. On Friday morning, both men approached the scales with the utmost professionalism, with Yan registering precisely 135 pounds and Dvalishvili matching him at the exact same mark of 135 pounds. The precise weights clear the path for another chapter in their fierce rivalry, where championship gold and divisional supremacy hang in the balance.
The supporting main card features a diverse array of compelling matchups broadcasting live on Paramount+ starting at 2 p.m. ET. In a high-stakes flyweight clash, Lone’er Kavanagh weighed in at 125.5 pounds, while his opponent, Ramazan Temirov, hit the limit at 126 pounds. Heavyweight action follows as the imposing Alexander Volkov stepped onto the scale at 256 pounds to face Rizvan Kuniev, who weighed in at 265 pounds. Rounding out the main card attractions, Aaron Pico checked in at 145.5 pounds for his featherweight showdown against Losene Keita, who registered 146 pounds, completing a main card lineup designed to deliver non-stop action from top to bottom.
Prior to the main card, the preliminary card—airing on Paramount+ at 12 p.m. ET—offers a collection of pivotal bouts featuring established veterans and rising contenders looking to make a statement on a global stage. In a critical light heavyweight pairing, Azamat Murzakanov weighed in at 206 pounds, meeting former title challenger Dominick Reyes, who registered 205 pounds. Another compelling light heavyweight bout sees Nikita Krylov hit 206 pounds to face Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev, who also weighed in at 206 pounds. In the middleweight division, Abus Magomedov came in at 185.5 pounds, preparing to square off against Cam Rowston, who weighed 185 pounds. The preliminary card action is rounded out by a lightweight encounter where Grant Dawson registered 156 pounds opposite Nurullo Aliev, who tipped the scale at 155 pounds.
The morning’s early preliminary card, scheduled to broadcast on Paramount+ starting at 10 a.m. ET, features an extensive slate of competitive matchups that will test the depth of the UFC’s roster. In the bantamweight division, Colby Thicknesse weighed in at 135.5 pounds to face Asaf Chopurov, who hit 136 pounds. Middleweight action brings Abubakar Vagaev at 185.5 pounds against Jacob Malkoun, who weighed 186 pounds. In the featherweight ranks, Bolaji Oki and Daniel Santos both registered identical weights of 146 pounds. The lightweight division is further represented by Kody Steele and Noah Gugnon, who both successfully made weight at 156 pounds.
The only blemish on an otherwise flawless morning of administrative compliance occurred during the strawweight pairing between Iasmin Lucindo and Nicolle Caliari. Lucindo successfully made weight, hitting the 115-pound limit for the division. However, Caliari struggled on the scale, coming in at 120.5 pounds and missing the required mark for their scheduled bout. Consequently, her matchup with Lucindo will proceed as a catchweight contest. As is customary under athletic commission guidelines for missed-weight infractions, Caliari will forfeit 30 percent of her fight purse to her opponent as a penalty, allowing the bout to move forward under adjusted terms.
With the scales now put away and the final staredowns concluded at the ceremonial weigh-ins, the attention of the fighting world shifts entirely to the arena in Abu Dhabi. Every athlete has navigated the grueling weight-cut process, and the stage is set for a memorable night of athletic competition where championships will be defended, rivalries will reach their apex, and careers will be shaped inside the UFC Octagon.
