The first UFC event of 2025, UFC Vegas 101, has undergone changes with Preston Parsons facing Jacobe Smith in a welterweight bout and Joe Solecki replacing Yanal Ashmouz to fight Nurullo Aliev, while the event is headlined by a strawweight rematch between Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas.
The first UFC event of 2025 has seen a few shake-ups. Things are getting interesting!
MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck spilled the beans on a welterweight showdown. Preston Parsons (11-5) is set to face off against Jacobe Smith (9-0) at UFC Vegas 101 next Saturday at the UFC APEX. Smith steps in for Andreas Gustafsson, who mysteriously bowed out.
MMA Junkie was the first to break this news. Kudos to them!
Parsons is no stranger to the octagon, marking his fifth appearance. His journey has been a rollercoaster—wins and losses alternating like clockwork. Last July, he took a hit with a unanimous decision loss to Oban Elliott at UFC 304.
Smith, on the other hand, remains undefeated across nine pro fights. Seven of those victories were knockouts! Just this February, he floored Jared McLoughlin in a mere 18 seconds. His celebration? Longer than the fight itself. He snagged his Contender Series contract after TKO-ing Christien Savoie in round two.
In another twist, lightweight veteran Joe Solecki (13-5) steps in on short notice. Yanal Ashmouz had to step back from his match against Nurullo Aliev (9-0).
Aliev broke the news on social media, and Solecki confirmed it via Instagram Stories. Gotta love that instant access!
Aliev is gunning for his second UFC win. Meanwhile, Solecki aims to snap a two-fight losing streak after defeats by Grant Dawson and Drakkar Klose.
UFC Vegas 101 will be headlined by an electrifying strawweight rematch between Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas. Can’t wait!