Title: UFC Riyadh Main Event Takes a Hit with Scrapped Matchup

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Title: UFC Riyadh Main Event Takes a Hit with Scrapped Matchup

The UFC's event on February 1 in Riyadh took a hit recently. The middleweight bout between Andre Muniz and Ikram Aliskerov is no longer happening due to visa complications for Muniz. Unfortunately, he hasn't been able to navigate the visa process in time for the Saudi Arabia event.

In a statement on his Instagram (translated from Portuguese), Muniz explained the situation. The UFC suggested rescheduling the fight, but a new date hasn't been set yet. Muniz has been out of action for over a year, and this is the second time a fight with Aliskerov has been called off.

Originally, Muniz and Aliskerov were set to meet in June 2024, but Muniz had to withdraw. In his last bout, Muniz claimed a split decision victory over Jun Yong Park, snapping a two-fight losing streak, which included submissions at the hands of Paul Craig and Brendan Allen.

Muniz's UFC debut was significant. Following a submission win on the Dana White Contender Series in 2019, he drew attention for his impressive three-fight win streak. However, he lost to Brendan Allen, which called for a need to re-establish momentum.

Aliskerov's last fight was in June 2024, when he filled in for an ill Khamzat Chimaev against Robert Whittaker. Whittaker defeated Aliskerov within 1 minute and 49 seconds. Aliskerov wanted to build upon that momentum, but will now have to wait due to Muniz's visa problems.

Whether Aliskerov reschedules for a future event or joins another card remains uncertain. It's also unclear if Muniz and Aliskerov will eventually share a platform on UFC 313 on March 8.

UFC Saudi Arabia Card:

  • Israel Adesanya vs. Nassourdine Imavov - Middleweight (185 lbs)
  • Sharabutdin Magomedov vs. Michael Page - Middleweight (185 lbs)
  • Sergei Pavlovich vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik - Heavyweight (265 lbs)
  • Said Nurmagomedov vs. Vinicius Oliveira - Bantamweight (135 lbs)
  • Ikram Aliskerov vs. Andre Muniz - Middleweight (185 lbs) - CANCELED
  • Muhammad Naimov vs. Kaan Ofli - Featherweight (145 lbs)
  • Shamil Gaziev vs. Thomas Petersen - Heavyweight (265 lbs)
  • Terrance McKinney vs. Damir Hadzović - Lightweight (155 lbs)
  • Fares Ziam vs. Mike Davis - Lightweight (155 lbs)
  • Jasmine Jasudavicius vs. Mayra Bueno Silva - Flyweight (125 lbs)
  • Bogdan Grad vs. L. Alexander - Featherweight (145 lbs)
  • Hamdy Abdelwahab vs. Jamal Pogues - Heavyweight (265 lbs)
  • Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady vs. Bolaji Oki - Lightweight (155 lbs)

Await further updates for fight week coverage leading up to the event.

Enrichment Insights:

  • [2]: UFC officials confirmed the postponement of the Muniz-Aliskerov bout due to Muniz getting stuck with passport issues
  • [3]: While the UFC hasn't disclosed a specific date for re-scheduling the fight, both parties showed interest in making up for the missed bout
  • [5]: The possibility of deciding on a new location and finding a mutually agreeable date for rescheduling is under consideration, according to sources.
  1. Despite visa complications, Andre Muniz expressed his disappointment about not being able to compete against Ikram Aliskerov at UFC Saudi Arabia, as originally scheduled.
  2. Dana White and the UFC are currently working to reschedule Muniz and Aliskerov's middleweight bout following their visa-related postponement, but no new date has been announced yet.
  3. With his fight against Ikram Aliskerov at UFC Saudi Arabia canceled, Andre Muniz will once again miss an opportunity to showcase his skills in the octagon, prolonging his time away from competition.
  4. Despite the cancellation of their UFC Saudi Arabia bout due to Muniz's visa issues, both fighters have expressed a desire to compete against each other in the future, with potential new locations and dates being considered for a rematch.

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