Making your first appearance in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is a milestone like no other, and this weekend holds that exciting moment for five fighters. UFC is back at its Apex facility on Saturday, March 15, 2025, for UFC Vegas 104. The main event, featuring a rematch between Marvin Vettori and Roman Dolidze, might not have been on anyone’s wishlist, but it promises to be a captivating bout nonetheless. (For a full rundown of the fight card, click here.)
Now, let’s shine the spotlight on the five debutants stepping into the Octagon this weekend…
Diyar Nurgozhay
Weight Class: Light Heavyweight
Age: 27
Record: 10-0
Diyar Nurgozhay earned his place at UFC through a spectacular performance in season eight of the Contender Series, where he left a lasting impression by knocking out Bartosz Szewczyk in the second round. Hailing from Kazakhstan, Nurgozhay is an intriguing addition to the Light Heavyweight ranks due to his reputation as a finisher; of his ten wins, seven have been first-round knockouts, some inside just a minute. While Nurgozhay’s patience occasionally belies his quick-finisher label, it has served him well in gaining victories. A strong striker with competent grappling skills, Nurgozhay will face Brendson Ribeiro this weekend. Ribeiro, who has also become more cautious after a challenging UFC debut, might make for a peculiar early exchange, but expect fireworks once Nurgozhay decides to push the pace.
Kevin Vallejos
Weight Class: Featherweight
Age: 23
Record: 14-1
During the earlier part of the year, Kevin Vallejos caught my attention as one of the top prospects emerging from season eight of the Contender Series, standing out alongside fellow hopefuls like Jacobe Smith and Austin Bashi. Vallejos’ record only includes a single loss to Jean Silva, a rising Brazilian UFC star, but notably, Vallejos managed to go the distance against him, a feat yet unmatched. Vallejos received a second chance to secure a UFC contract and seized it by decisively taking out Cam Teague in the first round. Known for his precise boxing and effective bodywork, which has delivered 10 knockouts, Vallejos’ grappling is also solid, though less frequently utilized. He will face the experienced SeungWoo Choi this weekend, presenting an excellent challenge for his UFC debut. With both fighters eager to impress, this bout has all the ingredients for Fight of the Night honors.
Su Young You
Weight Class: Bantamweight
Age: 29
Record: 14-3
While technically having appeared on a UFC card during the Road to UFC finals in Macau, Su Young You is set for his official Octagon debut. He secured his contract by defeating Baergeng Jieleyisi via unanimous decision. As a one-dimensional grappler, Su Young You often falls into less exciting fights, but this could change at UFC Vegas 104 as he faces A.J. Cunningham, a fighter known for avoiding dull exchanges, now competing at Bantamweight. Although Su’s success in the UFC remains uncertain due to his lack of proven performances, his upcoming bout might offer some answers.
Josias Musasa
Weight Class: Bantamweight
Age: 26
Record: 8-0
Josias Musasa made a name for himself on the Contender Series with a split decision victory over Otari Tanzilovi, breaking his streak of first-round finishes. Though his win wasn’t outstanding, it showcased his ability to last the distance and adapt his game plan. Prior to this, Musasa built a reputation as a knockout artist and hopes to bring that flair to the UFC’s crowded Bantamweight division. Facing Carlos Vera, a disciple of Ryan Hall, Musasa will test his striking against Vera’s grappling expertise. Can Musasa resume his knockout streak? Vera’s history of resilience suggests otherwise, posing a real test of Musasa’s grappling.
Yuneisy Duben
Weight Class: Flyweight
Age: 28
Record: 6-0
Yuneisy Duben took the MMA world by surprise with a knockout victory over Shannon Clark, despite being a significant underdog in the Contender Series. Yet, Duben remains a bit of an enigma; prior to her Contender Series appearance, her competition was largely inexperienced and sporadic. Her knockout power is clear, but whether she can deliver on that potential remains a mystery. Duben will go up against Carli Judice, who carries an 0-2 UFC record and similarly limited professional experience.
For those eager to catch all the action, MMAmania.com offers comprehensive, live coverage of the UFC Vegas 104 fight card—starting with preliminary bouts on ESPN+ at 4 p.m. ET, and main card action at 7 p.m. ET. To explore in-depth updates, news, and analyses of the event, along with the complete "Vettori vs. Dolidze 2" fight card, follow our extensive archive and information hub.
