UFC Secures Surging Lightweight Contender for Immediate Bout on Short Notice
Get ready for some exciting action in the UFC world, as up-and-coming fighter Mashrabjon "Black Junior" Ruziboev steps into the octagon! Originally slated to be Kaue Fernandes' opponent, Ruziboev seized the opportunity after Fernandes had to withdraw.
The UFC wanted to keep the fight alive on the card, and Ruziboev, the talented brother of UFC welterweight Nursulton Ruziboev, stepped up to do the job. With a seven-fight win streak behind him, Ruziboev is eager to show what he's got when he faces Jared Gordon on Saturday at the Apex in Las Vegas.
Although he hasn't fought since October 2023, Ruziboev is a force to be reckoned with. His win streak is impressive, with 16 of his 19 professional victories coming by way of stoppage. The Uzbekistan native's impressive finishing skills have made him a threat in the lightweight division.
Gordon, a veteran of the MMA scene with an 18-year career, has had a tougher run lately. He has only managed to secure one victory since August 2022, with his most recent win coming in November 2023 against Mark Madsen. A loss for Gordon could mean a challenging time ahead in his career, but he has always managed to bring excitement to the UFC with his hard-hitting style.
While Ruziboev may be the favorite to win, Gordon's experience and resilience make for an intriguing matchup. This fight, along with other exciting bouts, is set to go down on the UFC Vegas 102 card, headlined by Jared Cannonier and Gregory Rodrigues in a middleweight showdown.
The upcoming card also features some up-and-coming talents, including Elijah Smith, the top prospect to emerge from the most recent season of Dana White's Contender Series, and Valentin Walker, set to face Don'Tale Mayes in a heavyweight clash.
Make sure to tune in for what promises to be an action-packed night of MMA entertainment!

UFC Vegas 102 - Fight Card
- No. 7 - Jared Cannonier vs. Gregory Rodrigues – Middleweight (185 lbs)
- No. 12 - Calvin Kattar vs. Youssef Zalal – Featherweight (145 lbs)
- Ismael Bonfim vs. Nazim Sadykhov – Lightweight (155 lbs)
- Jose Delgado vs. Connor Matthews – Featherweight (145 lbs)
- Edmen Shahbazyan vs. Dylan Budka – Middleweight (185 lbs)
- Rodolfo Vieira vs. Andre Petroski – Middleweight (185 lbs)
- No. 12 - Julia Avila vs. No. 13 - Jacqueline Cavalcanti – Bantamweight (135 lbs)
- Vince Morales vs. Elijah Smith – Bantamweight (135 lbs)
- Valter Walker vs. No. 15 - Don’Tale Mayes – Heavyweight (265 lbs)
- Rafael Estevam vs. Jesus Aguilar – Flyweight (125 lbs)
- No. 13 - Angela Hill vs. Ketlen Souza – Strawweight (115 lbs)
- Gabriel Bonfim vs. Khaos Williams – Welterweight (170 lbs)
- Jared Gordon vs. Mashrabjon Ruziboev - Lightweight (155 lbs)
[1] Source: Sherdog[1] Enrichment Data
Mashrabjon Ruziboev brings a promising background and record to the UFC ring. His most recent signing and upcoming fight against Jared Gordon showcase the UFC's commitment to introducing new talent and exciting matchups. Surpassing his previous win streak, Ruziboev has proven himself a dangerous finisher, with 16 out of his 19 professional victories coming by way of stoppage.
As a relatively new addition to the UFC roster, Ruziboev's fight against Jared Gordon will be a significant test for him. Regardless of the outcome, this bout promises to deliver action as both fighters look to make a lasting impact on the UFC scene.
- Mashrabjon Ruziboev's fight against Jared Gordon is scheduled for UFC Vegas 104, a card filled with exciting bouts.
- Who is making his UFC debut at UFC Vegas 104 is Uzbekistan's Mashrabjon Ruziboev, who faces Jared Gordon in a lightweight matchup.
- The UFC Vegas 104 fight card includes an intriguing matchup between Mashrabjon Ruziboev and Jared Gordon, with fan predictions and news surrounding the event.