UFC Saudi Arabia Receives Several High-Profile Fights
The UFC's first 2024 venture into Saudi Arabia is starting to shape up. The March 2 fight night doesn't have a main event yet, but several fights have been announced which are total fan-pleasers.
Jairzinho Rozenstruik vs. Shamil Gaziev
First of all, undefeated UFC newcomer Shamil Gaziev will have the opportunity to break into the heavyweight rankings when he goes up against #12-ranked Jairzinho Rozenstruik. Gaziev burst onto the scene with a dominant TKO over Martin Buday at UFC 296.
Shamil Gaziev demolished the surging Martin Buday in less than a round. Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Rozenstruik is looking for a statement win after losing handily to Jailton Almeida in his last appearance. The Surinamese kickboxer has fought stiff opposition in the UFC, dropping five of his last ten bouts.
Javid Basharat vs. Aiemann Zahabi
Undefeated phenom Javid Basharat looks to return to form after receiving the first blemish on his spotless record. "The Snow Leopard" ended his last fight against Victor Henry with a groin strike, resulting in a no-contest.
The Afghani fighter takes a relative step down in competition against Aiemann Zahabi, the brother of famed coach Firas Zahabi. Zahabi has been making waves in the UFC after returning from a long hiatus in 2021, piecing together a tidy three-fight win streak. Zahabi now has the opportunity to score a huge victory against Basharat.
Joel Alvarez vs. L'udovit Klein
L'udovit Klein gets another tall task (literally) when he faces giant 6'3" lightweight finisher Joel Alvarez. Klein has been defying the odds recently, going undefeated as an underdog in his last three fights.
Joel Alvarez last defeated Marc Diakise via D'arce Choke. Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
"Mr. Highlight" has his work cut out for him as he goes up against Alvarez, a relentless finisher. "El Fenomeno" is a submission specialist who has finished all 20 of his professional victories. The scrappy Spaniard is also handy with his striking, especially elbows. One caveat, however, is Alvarez's habitual weight missing, and whether he will successfully make weight for this bout.
UFC Saudi Arabia Card
As of Jan 11, UFC Saudi Arabia has six announced fights (subject to change):
- Mohammad Mokaev vs. Alex Perez; Flyweight
- Eryk Anders vs. Jamie Pickett; Middleweight
- Vinicius Oliveira vs. Yanis Ghemmouri; Bantamweight
- Joel Alvarez vs. Ludovit Klein; Lightweight
- Javid Basharat vs. Aiemann Zahabi; Bantamweight
- Jairzinho Rozenstruik vs. Shamil Gaziev; Heavyweight
Stick with MMA Knockout for more daily coverage of the UFC and MMA