Brazilian lightweight Kaue Fernandes aims to create buzz and future narratives by defeating Guram Kutateladze, a friend of former UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, at UFC Fight Night in London, as Fernandes seeks to build on his recent victory and demonstrate his skills in enemy territory.
Ilia Topuria, once the UFC featherweight champ, is in London for Saturday’s UFC Fight Night. Brazilian lightweight Kaue Fernandes aims to surprise him with an electrifying performance.
Fernandes is set to battle Guram Kutateladze in the preliminaries at the O2 Arena. He believes that defeating Kutateladze, a friend of Georgian stars Topuria and Merab Dvalishvili, could stir up some buzz—and maybe even future storylines.
“I’ve thought about it,” Fernandes mused on possibly seeing Dvalishvili and Topuria across the cage. “Imagine if Topuria’s there, stressed ’cause his buddy lost. It could create quite the narrative [laughs]. Being friends with champions does add some hype.”
Topuria, who once ruled the 145-pound division, vacated his belt to step up to Fernandes’ weight class. He’s now eyeing Islam Makhachev‘s title. Yet, the UFC hasn’t revealed when or who he’ll face first at lightweight.
“Kutateladze has some hype—not much, but some,” Fernandes noted. “Winning by a close decision doesn’t boost my hype. But knocking him out? That’s different. It’s a golden chance… This fight could elevate my status. I’ve got what it takes; just need to show it in the octagon.”
In 2023, Fernandes faced a setback with a split decision loss to Marc Diakiese but bounced back by knocking out Mohammad Yahya in Abu Dhabi. Fighting on enemy turf seems to fuel him.
“I’m a bit unique in that way,” Fernandes said about competing in Europe. “Fighting away gives me energy. My last fight was against a local favorite in Abu Dhabi. Now, I get to visit London—a dream come true—and harness that energy.”
With newfound confidence from his recent victory, Fernandes feels ready. “Finishing Yahya boosts your belief in your punching power,” he shared, hoping for a $50,000 bonus.
Discussing Kutateladze’s style, Fernandes observed: “He grappled more than struck last time out despite his striking roots.” After all, every fighter adjusts under pressure. “If things don’t go my way—though I doubt it—I can grapple too. But I’m expecting a stand-up battle.”