Is UFC Vegas 113’s Main Event Facing Challenges?
Following former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno losing his opponent for UFC Mexico City, top MMA organizations had to scramble for a replacement headliner in February.
When Almabaev withdrew from the UFC main event due to injury, concerns arose that another high-profile fight might also be at risk—but this time for different reasons.
Latest update: An MMA champion is set to make his UFC debut at UFC Vegas 113 with only two days’ notice, stepping in as a replacement for Said Nurmagomedov.
Vinicius Oliveira’s Fight Week Journey at UFC Vegas 113 After Dropping 30 Pounds
After kicking off the year with UFC 324 and UFC 325, the promotion’s first fight night under Paramount’s banner is happening this Saturday at the Apex.
UFC Vegas 113 will feature a bantamweight showdown as Mario Bautista attempts to rebound from his first loss in nine fights against the surging Vinicius Oliveira.
Nicknamed “Rock Dog,” Oliveira is undefeated (4-0) in the UFC since his breakout on Dana White’s Contender Series and currently ranks just outside the top 10 in the bantamweight division.
However, Oliveira’s future in this weight class looks uncertain after an intense weight cut to meet the 136-pound non-title fight limit.
“Honestly, I have to drop a lot of weight,” Oliveira revealed during media day.
“I’ve done this before, but it’s really tough on me. I don’t know how many more times I’ll compete at this weight. My plan is to win the belt soon and then move up. I don’t think losing that much weight is healthy for me, so I’m transitioning out of this division.”
“Usually, I cut 23 to 24 kilograms (50-52 pounds) at the start of camp, but that’s too much. It leaves me exhausted and sick. This time I changed my diet and focused more on my health,” he added.
“Cutting out sugar made a difference, but the pain remains the same. I still need to lose 13 to 15 pounds, which is normal for me.”
More news: UFC declined an MMA legend’s single demand to salvage Brandon Moreno’s main event at UFC Mexico City.
Weight Cut Concerns Spark Fears Over UFC Vegas 113 Main Event
Oliveira’s statements triggered a wave of reactions from fans, many worried his extreme weight cut could jeopardize the main event at UFC Vegas 113 and impact his performance inside the cage.
Several fans voiced their doubts:
- “If you lose too much weight during fight week, it’s going to ruin your performance.”
- “You should actually make weight. I saved the screenshot of you criticizing the guy who missed weight last week.”
- “Is anyone else anxious about Vinicius Oliveira’s weight loss? I get he’s a pro and probably does this often, but dropping so much weight in such a short time? If the UFC’s concerned, they better have a backup ready.”
- “That’s why he ran out of steam in the first round.”
- “That’s a 30-pound drop in six days!”
- “You’re talented, but with this mindset, becoming champion will be tough.”
- “Extreme weight cuts like this are dangerous—I need to take better care of my body.”
Fan Take: This news is critical for fight fans because it highlights the ongoing challenges and health risks associated with drastic weight cuts in MMA. Oliveira’s experience could spark more discussions on fighter safety and possibly accelerate reforms in weight management practices to protect athletes and maintain top-tier competition.
