Updates To UFC Seattle

Four new bouts have been added to this weekend’s sold-out event UFC FIGHT NIGHT: CEJUDO vs SONG.

Due to injury, Dominick Cruz has been removed from his bantamweight bout with No. 9 ranked Rob Font and has been replaced by undefeated rising star Jean Matsumoto, who plans to extend his record to an impressive 17-0 and break into the rankings with a statement performance against Font. Matsumoto, who is still only 25 years old, will look to display his Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai black belt skills in the biggest opportunity of his career. Font, a perennial top contender in the stacked bantamweight division, steps up to prove that he will take on anyone, anytime, anywhere and hand Matsumoto his first loss in dramatic fashion. This bout will now take place at a catchweight of 140 pounds.

Also added to the card will be No. 15 ranked light heavyweight contender Alonzo Menifield as he aims to defend his spot in the rankings against UFC newcomer Julius Walker, who makes his debut riding a nine fight win streak, with eight of those victories coming by way of finish.

Additionally, a middleweight bout sees Nursulton Ruziboev take on UFC newcomer of Eric McConico, who makes his debut riding a five fight win streak.

Finally, a 175-pound catchweight bout will feature a pair of Dana White’s Contender Seriesveterans, as Nikolay Veretennikov looks to spoil the welcome of UFC newcomer Austin Vanderford, who makes his debut following an impressive first-round KO.

Other notable changes to the card include Macy Chiasson, Edson Barboza and Adam Fugitt being removed from their respective bouts due to injury. As a result, their bouts have been cancelled from the card.

Lastly, the heavyweight bout between Curtis Blaydes and Rizvan Kuniev has been moved and will now take place on UFC 313: PERERIA vs ANKALAEV on March 8.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT: CEJUDO vs SONG takes place Saturday, February 22 from Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington