The excitement for UFC Vegas 117 just went up a notch! Just days before the event, scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026, inside the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, the promotion has added two last-minute bouts featuring fresh faces ready to make their mark.
First up, Ukrainian lightweight prospect Artur Miniev is stepping in on just five days' notice to face undefeated Contender Series graduate Tommy Gantt. Miniev, who was recently named MMAMania.com's April Prospect of the Month, replaces the injured Trey Ogden. At just 24 years old, Miniev boasts a perfect 7-0 record with an impressive 84% finish rate, including four first-round knockouts. His most recent victory was a statement—a first-round demolition of longtime Bellator veteran Derek Campos. He’ll have his hands full with Gantt (11-0), a wrestler with knockout power and submission skills alike, who earned his UFC contract by submitting Adam Livingston in the first round of Season 9 of the Contender Series.
In the light heavyweight division, former Bellator standout Christian Edwards will make his long-awaited UFC debut against Modestas Bukauskas, stepping in for the injured Rodolfo Bellato. Edwards (8-4) was once touted as a training partner and protégé of Jon Jones, but his momentum stalled after a shocking knockout loss as a heavy favorite. After being released by Bellator, he rebuilt his career on the regional scene, going 3-1 before earning this opportunity. Meanwhile, Bukauskas (19-7) is quietly enjoying a strong second stint with the UFC. Though he was stopped by Nikita Krylov in his last outing, "The Baltic Gladiator" had won four straight before that, with three finishes showcasing his relentless striking.
Unfortunately, not all news is good news. The welterweight bout between Jeremiah Wells and Nicolas Dalby has been canceled due to an injury suffered by Dalby. The full card now features exciting matchups like Arnold Allen vs. Melquizael Costa, Dooho Choi vs. Daniel Santos, and Juan Diaz vs. Malcolm Wellmaker. With rookies ready to prove themselves and veterans looking to climb the ranks, this weekend's fight night promises plenty of action for MMA fans.