UFC Vegas 115: Undefeated Bantamweight Misses Weight for Third Time
The official weigh-ins for UFC Vegas 115 revealed significant weight management challenges, particularly impacting a bantamweight fighter. At the Meta Apex event, three out of the final four fighters failed to make weight by the end of the first weigh-in window. Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev, Rafael Estevam, and Darrius Flowers all exceeded their weight limits, causing complications for their respective battles.
Missed Weights at UFC Vegas 115
Estevam’s situation was particularly notable. This was the third time he has missed weight for a UFC contest. Previously, he failed to make the limit of 125 pounds twice, and this time he weighed in at 136.5 pounds for a bantamweight fight, which is over the threshold despite the one-pound allowance for non-title bouts.
- Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev: Initially weighed 207 pounds but successfully made weight at 206 pounds on his second attempt.
- Rafael Estevam: Weighed 136.5 pounds for his bout; will compete at a catchweight against Ethyn Ewing, forfeiting 20% of his purse.
- Darrius Flowers: Came in at 156.5 pounds; his fight with Lando Vannata will also take place at a catchweight, with Flowers forfeiting 20% of his purse.
Main Card Weigh-In Results
| Fighter | Weight | Opponent |
|---|---|---|
| Renato Moicano | 156 | Chris Duncan |
| Virna Jandiroba | 116 | Tabatha Ricci |
| Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev | 206 | Brendson Ribeiro |
| Ethyn Ewing | 135.5 | Rafael Estevam |
| Tommy McMillen | 145.5 | Manolo Zecchini |
| Jose Delano | 144.5 | Robert Ruchala |
Preliminary Card Weigh-In Results
| Fighter | Weight | Opponent |
|---|---|---|
| Guilherme Pat | 250.5 | Thomas Petersen |
| Alessandro Costa | 125.5 | Stewart Nicoll |
| Lando Vannata | 156 | Darrius Flowers |
| Alice Pereira | 136 | Hailey Cowan |
| Azamat Bekoev | 186 | Tresean Gore |
| Dione Barbosa | 126 | Melissa Gatto |
| Kai Kamaka III | 155 | Dakota Hope |
The main fights scheduled for UFC Vegas 115 are now set despite the weigh-in issues. Estevam and Flowers will compete at catchweights, with penalties applied for their weight infractions. This underscores the ongoing challenges fighters face regarding weight management in the UFC.
