The UFC returns to the Meta APEX in Las Vegas on Saturday, September 26, with a bantamweight main event featuring rising contender Raul Rosas Jr. against veteran Raoni Barcelos. The prelims begin at 5 p.m. ET, with the main card scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Paramount+ in the United States.
Main Event: Raul Rosas Jr. vs. Raoni Barcelos
Rosas Jr. enters the biggest fight of his career with a 12-1 record and a 6-1 UFC mark. At just 21, he is stepping into his first UFC five-round main event, making endurance and fight management major storylines. Barcelos brings a 22-5 record and considerably more experience into the Octagon.
Rosas’ biggest advantage is his grappling. His ability to close distance, secure takedowns and work from dominant positions could force Barcelos into a difficult defensive fight.
Barcelos, however, has the veteran experience and a more developed striking game. If he can keep the fight standing and make Rosas work for every entry, the veteran could make this a much more competitive contest.
Key question: Can Rosas impose his grappling game for 25 minutes against an experienced opponent?
Co-Main Event: Rodolfo Vieira vs. Robert Bryczek
Vieira and Bryczek meet in a middleweight contest that pits elite Brazilian jiu-jitsu against dangerous knockout power.
Vieira is a decorated submission specialist, while Bryczek has built his reputation around his striking. Vieira will likely look to turn the fight into a grappling contest, while Bryczek needs to create space and make his power count. UFC lists Vieira as a favorite heading into the bout.
Other Main-Card Fights
Brady Hiestand vs. Rinya Nakamura
A fascinating bantamweight matchup between two developing fighters.
Nakamura brings an aggressive wrestling-heavy style, while Hiestand will need to prevent Nakamura from dictating the pace.
Melissa Amaya vs. Valesca Machado
The women’s strawweights could provide one of the night’s most technical fights.
Both fighters have plenty to gain from a strong performance on the main card.
Mahammadali Osmanli vs. Ilimbek Akylbek
A bantamweight matchup featuring two fighters looking to establish themselves in a crowded division.
Fight to Watch: Norma Dumont vs. Ailin Perez
This could have major implications for the women’s bantamweight division.
Dumont is ranked No. 4, while Perez is No. 5. Dumont has gone the distance in 11 consecutive UFC appearances and owns a 9-3 UFC record. Perez enters on a six-fight winning streak, including a February victory over Macy Chiasson.
The matchup offers an interesting contrast: Dumont’s experience and ability to control fights over five-round distances against Perez’s momentum and aggressive approach.
Updated Prelims
The preliminary card includes:
Rodolfo Bellato vs. Christian Edwards
Elves Brener vs. Josiah Harrell
Montel Jackson vs. Ricky Simon
Norma Dumont vs. Ailin Perez
John Castaneda vs. Alatengheili
Luis Hernandez vs. Sedriques Dumas
Vanessa Demopoulos vs. Yazmin Jauregui
The Dumas fight was changed on September 24 after Micky Gall was removed for medical reasons. Recent Dana White’s Contender Series signee Luis Hernandez replaces Gall, and the fight has been moved to light heavyweight.
Three Keys to the Night
1. Rosas’ wrestling:
If Rosas can consistently get Barcelos to the mat, he can control the fight.
2. Veteran experience:
Barcelos has fought at a high level for years and will be attempting to make Rosas fight at his pace.
3. Bantamweight contenders:
Dumont-Perez and Hiestand-Nakamura could provide important information about the next generation of contenders in the division.
