Light heavyweight prospect Raffael Cerqueira is heading straight to UFC after losing two potential opponents for a Contender Series card in September, the promotion announced. Cerqueira now faces Ibo Aslan at UFC 308, which takes place Oct. 26 in Abu Dhabi.
A teammate of Jailton Almeida at Brazil’s Galpão da Luta, Cerqueira (11-0) was previously paired up against Uran Satybaldiev at DWCS on Sept. 10, however Satybaldiev eventually withdrew and was replaced by Patryk Grabowski, who later stepped down as well. Cerqueira was then expected to fight Francesco Mazzeo before the promotion changed plans and signed him for UFC 308.
Aslan (13-1) returns to the octagon following a Fight of the Night victory in March, which saw him knock out Anton Turkalj in the third round of their UFC Atlantic City bout. “The Last Ottoman” is currently riding a five-fight finishing streak that includes a first-round knockout over Paulo Renato Jr. at DWCS in august of 2023.
Cerqueira has been calling for a UFC shot since late 2023. In a December interview with MMA Fighting, he asked UFC CEO Dana White and matchmaker Mick Maynard, “What else do I need to do to prove my worth and show I’m ready to fight in the world’s biggest organization?”
“Every fighter says they deserve to be in the UFC, but I’m proving it,” Cerqueira said at the time. “If you watch my fights, they’re not taking long. … I’m just waiting Mick and Dana White to look at me and give me an opportunity to show my value in the world’s biggest organization so I can make history in the UFC.”
UFC 308 takes place at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena and features Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway in a five-round battle for the featherweight title as the headlining attraction. Check out the updated lineup below.
