This Week in Combat Sports: Week of February 17, 2025

After UFC Vegas 102 wrapped up, the combat sports world erupted. Jared Cannonier, the betting underdog, delivered a stunning fourth-round KO, leaving fans eager for more. But the UFC wasn’t the only action-packed event this past week—fight fans were spoiled across the board.

From high-stakes boxing matchups like Catterall vs. Barboza Jr. and Davis vs. Berinchyk, to MMA events from Levels Fight League, Ares FC, and Tuff-N-Uff, there was no shortage of excitement.

So, what’s coming up next? Check out the daily schedule below—it’s a busy one.

Monday

MMA Series 88: Elite Fights

Sport: MMA
Location: Moscow, Russia
When: 11AM EST
How to Watch: Internet PPV

The Russian promotion’s eight-fight card promises excitement. The main event is the battle of the Dmitriys. In this one, two big heavyweight’s named Dmitriy showdown. Additionally, there are two prospects to watch on this card. Shamil Ismailov is in the co-main event. At 3-0, he is getting his first veteran test against Evgeny Myakinkin who is 20-20. Further down the card is Shakhriyor Khalimov, a 3-0 prospect with three submissions. He is from Tajikistan, but trains in Russia. Khalimov is getting a major test against Brazilian prospect, Israel Figueira, who at 8-1 with seven submissions.

Wednesday

Wednesday Night Fights

Sport: Boxing
Location: Chicken Ranch Casino & Resort, Jamestown, California
When: 7PM EST
How to Watch: YouTube

G-Squad Entertainment is set to entertain on fight fans on a Wednesday night with a seven-fight card. Headlining this card is Gabriel Flores Jr. (25-2) taking on Jose Arellano (11-2) at 135 pounds. One fight to spotlight is the co-main event. 19-year-old Emiliano Moreno (11-0) is putting his undefeated record to the test at 147 pounds vs. Panama’s own Cesar Francis, a 34-year-old who is a finisher. Lower down the card there is an 18-year-old boxer from California named Jennah Creason (3-0). She is fighting another undefeated boxer in the 34-year-old Samantha Ginitham (1-0).

Inka FC 48: Mazzetti vs. Da Silva

Sport: MMA
Location: Surco, Lima, Peru
When: 8PM EST
How to Watch: Unknown

Not much is known about this card outside of the two Peruvian prospects at the top of the bill. Each could be nearing a Dana White Contender Series opportunity as the UFC looks to expand into Latin America. Gabriel Mazzetti (4-0) has had a smooth transition to MMA from his Muay Thai background. At lightweight, he takes on Pedro Elias (7-5), a Brazilian traveling to upset the hometown fans. Additionally, in the co-main event, Inka FC is also showcasing Thiago Navarro (8-0). The hometown fighter is 25 years old and is a dangerous finisher at featherweight. All eight of his wins are by finish (6 KOs, 2 Subs). He takes on the visiting Brazilian, Pedro Paulo Rocha (10-11).

Thursday

One 171: Qatar

Sport: Mixed Combat (10 MMA, 2 Kickboxing, 1 Muay Thai, 1 Grappling)
Location: Lusail Sports Arena, Lusail, Qatar
When: 9AM EST
How to Watch: YouTube

This will be the first return to Qatar for ONE Championship since last year’s inaugural card. It holds a bevy of high-quality fights too. The main event features Joshua Pacio (22-4) vs. Jarred Brooks (21-4) in a flyweight MMA title unification fight. The co-main event showcases the return of England’s Jonathan Haggerty, defending his Kickboxing Featherweight Championship against China’s Rui Wei. In MMA, at middleweight, Roberto Soldić (20-4) returns for the first time in two years.

Further down the card is light heavyweight, Shamil Erdogan (10-0). He runs it back with Aung La N Sang (30-14) after last September’s meeting. Additionally, in the fourth fight of the card, well-regarded grappler, Kade Rutolo (2-0) returns to MMA. After his recent highlight-reel finish, he now takes on his biggest test to date. In the other corner will be Nicolas Vigna (7-0), a veteran finisher with all seven wins by way of submission.

FFC 87: Galindo vs. Azevedo

Sport: Mixed Combat (11 MMA, 2 Muay Thai)
Location: Centro de Convenciones Arena, Barranco, Lima, Peru
When: 8PM EST
How to Watch: Unknown

We have another Peruvian card, and this one brings you two big fights at the top of its bill. The whole card has two Muay Thai bouts mixed in, but it’s primarily an MMA card. In the main event, the middleweight championship is on the line. Lima’s own, Jose Galindo (9-1), looks for his fourth title defense. At 35, the UFC may not be in his future, but he is a great test for any regional middleweight. His next test? The Brazilian, Mailton Azevedo (11-4). The 29-year-old is well-traveled and has faced plenty of high-level competition. In 15 fights, he has never been to a judge’s scorecard.

In the co-main event, there is a feature fight at bantamweight. Local fighter, Inor Valladares (9-7) is stepping up from flyweight to take on Brazil’s own, Rickson Zenidim (18-2-1). The 26-year-old Brazilian is looking for another submission to add to the 14 on his record to date.

Boxing Insider Promotions: Griffin vs. Sanchez

Sport: Boxing
Location: Sony Hall, New York, NY, USA
When: 8PM EST
How to Watch: DAZN

In New York, the vacant WBC Welterweight Championship will be on the line between two dangerous boxers. Avious Griffin (16-0) has 15 KOs to his name and is traveling to New York to win his first title. At 31, he is entering his prime. His opponent is, Jose Sanchez (14-4-1), is a grizzled vet from New Mexico. He is challenging for the title after a two-fight stint with Golden Boy Promotions.

The co-main event is another fun fight, this time at heavyweight. George Arias (18-1-1) is looking to get back in the win column in his hometown against Helaman Olguin (9-7). These two veterans will go to battle for however long it lasts. In addition, two east coast undefeated boxers will be featured at 135 pounds. The local man, Koby Khalil Williams (4-0) will face off against Maryland’s own, Nicholas Isaac (5-0)… So, someone’s 0 has to go.

Friday

KSW 103: Brichta vs. Charzewski

Sport: MMA
Location: Home Credit Arena, Liberec, Czech Republic
When: 1PM EST
How to Watch: YouTube (Prelims), Internet PPV (Main Card)

KSW is one of Europe’s biggest promotions. As they travel to the Czech Republic, they are bringing a total of nine fights on Friday. The main event features the hometown boy, Leo Brichta (12-5). He is a decorated striker and former title challenger at lightweight. Leo is taking on Poland’s own and former lightweight champion, Łukasz Charzewski (13-2, 1 NC). This fight will be taking place at featherweight. In addition, KSW will be showcasing the return of the local, Dominick Humburger (8-2). With seven finishes to his name, the light heavyweight is always a fun watch. He will be taking on Poland’s Borys Dzikowski (4-1). At 6’4, Dzikowski will be the younger and taller fighter in the biggest fight of his career.

Fury FC 102: Yannis vs. Rosas

Sport: MMA
Location: Boeing Center at Tech Port, San Antonio, Texas, USA
When: 6:30PM EST
How to Watch: YouTube (Prelims), UFC Fight Pass (Main Card)

This card holds 25 fights ranging from amateur to pro title fights. In the main event, a scrap for the bantamweight title goes down. Texas’ own John Yannis (8-3) will fight Jessie Rosas (6-1) from Las Vegas, Nevada. Both men earned this opportunity fighting several times over the past few years. At 30 and 22 years old respectively, the future is bright for both men.

In the co-main event, we will see Fury FC’s version of the BMF belt on the line, at 145 pounds. Two Fury veterans face off here in a striker vs. grappler affair. Lorram Esteves (9-3) is the grappler with seven submission wins. Nate Richardson is his opponent (12-5) and has six knockouts to his name. Who will be “The Toughest MF” on fight night?

Lastly, the feature fight is a battle between two young prospects. Richard Mayol (5-0) of Cuba faces off against Ismail Israilov (4-1) of Russia. At 25 and 24 years of age respectively, these men will push each other to the limit to see who is the next contender at welterweight. Subsequently, this card will also see the return of Zach Borrego.

Lux Fight League 50

Sport: MMA
Location: Showcenter Complex, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
When: 8PM EST
How to Watch: UFC Fight Pass

The premier Mexican MMA organization showcases several Mexican prospects in its 10-bout card this Friday. At the top of the card, the Bantamweight championship will be on the line. Juan Diaz (13-1) defends his belt for the second time against Uriel Cossio (14-9).

Additionally on the main card is an elite flyweight rematch. Kike González (12-5) will take on Paulino Siller (15-3). González won the first match in 2017. His last three losses have come after challenging for the title. Flyweights Franco Varessy (1-0) and Alex Ruiz (3-0) will also be showcased. Prospects Daniela Hernandez (5-1) and 23-year-old grappler Silvestre Sanchez (7-1) are featured as well.

Xtreme Fight Night 399

Sport: Mixed Combat (6 MMA, 4 Kickboxing, 2 Muay Thai)
Location: River Spirit Casino Resort, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
When: 8:30PM EST
How to Watch: TrillerTV

A mixed combat card featuring numerous title fights may peak the interest of many combat fans. Approaching the four-century mark, the Xtreme Fight Night promotion is putting on an exhilarating card. In the main event, fans will see the XFN Kickboxing Championship on the line. The XFN Interim MMA Lightweight Championship will be up for grabs in the co-main event. Fight fans will also see a Muay Thai title fight on the main card. In addition to the title fights, Tracy Reeder, Justin Budd, and others return to the promotion.

LFA 202: Nkuta vs. Garcia

Sport: MMA
Location: Seneca Niagara Falls Resort & Casino, Niagara Falls, New York, United States
When: 9PM EST
How to Watch: UFC Fight Pass

The LFA has been putting on a barrage of exciting cards, and this one is more of the same. In the main event is the return of flyweight, Phumi Nkuta (8-0). After trying his hand at pro wrestling, the undefeated prospect takes on Adrian Garcia (8-2-1) in his return.

Adding to the fun, the feature fight plays host to a light heavyweight match between Joe Taylor and Philip Latu. It is guaranteed to be fireworks. Throughout the rest of the card are prospects littered throughout.

Hollywood Fight Nights

Sport: Boxing
Location: Chumash Casino, Santa Ynez, California
When: 9PM ET
How to Watch: UFC Fight Pass

This is an extremely fun boxing card with prospects and veterans alike. In the main event, 22-year-old Cain Sandoval (14-0) is getting yet another veteran test facing the Philippine’s own, Mark Bernaldez (25-6). Additionally, California’s own, 21-year-old Guadalupe Medina (8-0) takes on Argentinian opposition in Agustina Vazquez (4-2-2). There are also a number of local prospects getting tests in their return to the ring. Alan Garcia (14-1) and Abel Mejia (6-0) are fighters to watch for.

Saturday

Eternal MMA 93

Sport: MMA
Location: HBF Stadium, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
When: 4 AM EST
How to Watch: UFC Fight Pass

Eternal MMA is one of the premier fight leagues in Australia. The UFC breeding ground is bringing a load of talent for this 18-match card. The headliner will feature an upper echelon-level flyweight fight. Anthony Drilich (8-2) returns to Eternal MMA after the former flyweight champion received a shot on Dana White Contender Series. In his return, he takes on the Scottish Brian Hyslop (6-4) as he works to get his title back. Another fun fight on the card is the co-main event, which is a guaranteed striking affair at lightweight. Former boxer Wes Capper (5-3 MMA) takes on a certified finisher in Raymart Quintana (7-2). This one has fight of the night written all over it.

FIRE CAGE FC 1: The Beginning

Sport: Mixed Combat (6 MMA, 4 Muay Thai)
Location: N9 Arena, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
When: 4AM EST
How to Watch: Unknown PPV

The first ever event for the FIRE CAFE Promotion takes place in Malaysia. With two title fights to headline the card, the promotion will crown a welterweight and lightweight champion. In the main event, welterweight veterans Gleison Tibau (38-19) and Kiichi Kunimoto (20-11-2) throw down. At lightweight, veterans Diego Nunes (24-10) and Rolando Dy (14-13) go head-to-head.

The four former UFC fighters will look to bring this promotion to relevancy. With many local fighters to start the night, make sure you stay tuned for the featured flyweight scrap between young prospects Eubert Gomez (5-1) and John Dave Almaza (6-1). Further down the card, keep an eye out for Honduras’ own Samuel Chavarria (5-0).

OKTAGON 67

Sport: MMA
Location: Werk Arena, Třinec, Czech Republic
When: 12PM EST
How to Watch: Internet PPV

This is another great card on the docket for Saturday morning in the USA. With 11 high-level bouts, this card is guaranteed to be a banger. In addition to the title fight at the top of the card, there is also a middleweight tournament. The aforementioned tournament will consist of four well-known athletes: Miloš Petrášek (13-7), Mick Stanton (13-8), Andreas Michailidis (16-8), and Mark Hulme (12-3).

In contrary to the tournament bouts, the main event features a flyweight title fight. Sam Creasey (19-5) is set to defend his title against the Georgian, Beno Adamia (11-8-1). Additionally, pay attention to Lucia Szabová (8-0) as she looks to remain undefeated at bantamweight.

Beterbiev vs. Bivol II: The Last Crescendo

Sport: Boxing
Location: Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
When: 12PM EST
How to Watch: DAZN

This may be the most stacked boxing card we have ever seen, with seven bouts and seven title fights. The main event will be for the undisputed light heavyweight title. But, the remaining fights are for the IBF, WBO, or WBC titles. Since they are all massive fights, below is the full card:

• Undisputed Light Heavyweight Title: Artur Beterbiev (21-0) vs. Dmitry Bivol (23-1)
• IBF World Heavyweight Title: Daniel Dubois (22-2) vs. Joseph Parker (35-3)
• WBC World Middleweight Title: Carlos Adames (24-1) vs. Hamzah Sheeraz (21-0)
• Interim WBC World Heavyweight Title: Zhilei Zhang (27-2-1) vs. Agit Kabayel (25-0)
• Interim WBC World Lightweight Title: Shakur Stevenson (22-0) vs. Floyd Schofield (18-0)
• Interim WBC World Super Welterweight Title: Vergil Ortiz Jr. (22-0) vs. Israil Madrimov (10-1-1)
• Interim WBO World Light Heavyweight Title: Joshua Buatsi (19-0) vs. Callum Smith (30-2)

UAE Warriors 588

Sport: MMA
Location: ADNEC Centre, Al Ain, UAE
When: 2PM EST
How to Watch: UFC Fight Pass

We have another great fight card overseas this weekend. UAE Warriors puts its lightweight title at the top of the billing. The main event will feature the current champion, Amru Magomedov (8-0). The 25-year-old won the belt last October and defended it this past July. Now he is returning to defend against former UFC fighter, Alex da Silva (25-4). “Leko” is now on a three-fight winning streak in the promotion and is getting his chance at the champ.

This card is littered with quality fights, so let’s shout out two to keep an eye on. First, in the heavyweight division, Gadzhi Abdulkadirov (5-1) meets Michel Góes (4-0). This is a fight that can be expected to end early. Another high-quality prospect fight will go down in the middleweight division. Imamshafi Aliev (9-1), 26, is looking to bounce back from his first career loss against the 25-year-old Pedro Oliveira (8-3).

AFP 101: First Fight Night

Sport: MMA
Location: Irongate Equestrian Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
When: 6PM EST
How to Watch: Unknown

In the inaugural card for the Ohio Based promotion, American Fight Promotions (AFP), has scheduled a very intriguing first card. Although it is not yet known if they will be broadcasting the event, this deserved to get a highlight. The main event will include Abdiel Velazquez (9-8) vs. Ohio’s own Jerrell Hodge (10-5). Velazquez has been doing a lot of Bare-Knuckle Boxing of late, and will bring the fight to the wrestler, Hodge.

Also on the card, a bantamweight battle between two scrappy fighters goes down. Josh Smith (12-10) moves up to 135 pounds to fight Ohio’s Mo Miller (8-4). In addition, Ty Flores (14-5) returns at a new weight class in his first fight of 2025. Another Ohio native on the card is Asher Fredrick (4-1), who is looking for his third-straight victory.

UFC Fight Night Seattle: Cejudo vs. Song

Sport: MMA
Location: Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, Washington, USA
When: 6PM EST
How to Watch: ESPN +

The UFC has moved out of the Apex for this fight night card, taking its talents to Seattle. The last fight card held in Seattle was in 2013. This time around, #7-ranked Henry Cejudo (16-4) fights against #8-ranked, Song Yadong (21-8-1). This card also features a rematch from the regional scene. Brendan Allen (24-6) will take on Anthony Hernandez (13-2) in the co-man event.

Other notable prospects: Jean Silva (14-2), Ibo Aslan (14-1), Javid Basharat (14-1-1), and Mansur Abdul-Malik (7-0). In addition, a fight to watch for is Rob Font (21-8) vs. Jean Matsumoto (16-0).

BYB 37: Denver Brawl 4

Sport: Bare-Knuckle Boxing
Location: Stockyards Event Center, Denver, Colorado, USA
When: 8PM EST
How to Watch: Vice TV

Held in a triangular boxing ring, BYB is a wildly entertaining promotion. To end the night, you can tune in and watch some familiar names competing. The main event includes a title fight which has champion Harry Gigliotti defending his belt. He takes on Jon Barnard who matches the champions three-fight winning streak with the promotion.

Additionally, Helen Peralta returns to BYB for a title fight in a rematch with Lailane Mota. Other recognizable names include the former boxer, Roberto Duran Jr. Former UFC and PFL heavyweight, Juan Adams, will be fighting at super heavyweight on Saturday. Additionally, Benjamin Bennett, the former Contender Series alum, returns for the first time since being snubbed from a contract.

Sunday

Octagon 70

Sport: MMA
Location: Baluan Sholaq Arena, Almaty, Kazakhstan
When: 7AM EST
How to Watch: YouTube

Not to be mistaken for Oktagon, the Kazakhstan-based promotion is putting on a card with eight bouts. There are five title bouts, and several prospects featured. A few standouts include 7-0 prospect Ayan Tursyn who is looking to reclaim the Women’s Strawweight Championship. Additionally, a BMF title fight goes down between Erkebulan Toktar (9-3) and Kamariddin Hasanov (7-2).

UWC 55

Sport: MMA
Location: Auditorio Municipal de Tijuana, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
When: 6PM EST
How to Watch: UFC Fight Pass

Lastly, Ultimate Warrior Challenge, a Mexican-based promotion has a card on Sunday evening. The main event features familiar names in former Dana White Contender Series challenger Sandra Lavado (12-6). She squares off against former LUX Flyweight Champion, Fernanda Muñoz (8-2). Additionally, homegrown talent, Alan Martinez (11-0) faces off against the 25-year-old local prospect, Osvaldo Segura (8-1). There is lots of action this weekend, but UWC is a great way to end it.

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