Tagir Ulanbekov vs. Aleksander Doskalchuk will no longer take place.
Tagir Ulanbekov has withdrawn from the bout due to the death of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, with Malcolm Gordon stepping in to replace the flyweight fighter. Aaron Bronsteter of TSN first reported the opponent change, while Denis Geyko of RT first reported Ulanbekov’s withdrawal.
Doskalchuk will be making his UFC debut here as the flyweight is coming in on the strength of a three-fight winning streak. Doskalchuk has previously competed in Gorilla Fighting Championships, Fight Nights Global, and Fight Star. Doskalchuk is a former M-1 Challenge Flyweight Champion. Overall, his professional record currently stands at 10 wins and 1 loss.
Gordon will also be making his debut for the promotion on July 18 as the flyweight comes in hot with a four-fight winning streak. The 30-year-old has fought in TKO Major League MMA, Warfare Xtreme Cagefighting, Prodigy MMA, and Bellator MMA. His professional record is 12 wins and 3 losses.
UFC Fight Night: Figueiredo vs. Benavidez II takes place on Saturday, July 18 from Fight Island in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi with the two flyweights clashing in the main event for the vacant 125-pound Championship. The Aleksander Doskalchuk/Malcolm Gordon fight will take place on the preliminary card.