After being cut earlier this year, Louis Smolka has won his way back to the big show. He’ll face newcomer Sumudaerji Sumudaerji at UFC Beijing later this month.
Former UFC flyweight standout Louis Smolka, who at one point had a four-fight win streak run going in the UFC’s 125lb division, is back in the fold. Smolka (14–5), who was cut in early 2018 after three straight losses, has re-signed with the promotion, and will fight Sumudaerji Sumudaerji at UFC Beijing (UFC Fight Night 141) later this month. The twist: Smolka will be fighting at bantamweight.
The news was first reported by James Lynch (Fightful/Sherdog/FloCombat among other outlets).
Of course, the UFC’s flyweight division is on thin ice right now, widely expected to be eliminated in early 2019. With several fighters being shown the door including Jose Torres and Jared Brooks, however, it’s a bit of surprise to see Smolka brought back. However, the flyweight-turned-bantamweight won three fights following his release from the UFC. All three ended in stoppages.
Sumudaerji Sumudaerj (8-1), meanwhile, will be making his UFC debut at UFC Beijing. Sumudaerji has fought his entire career in WLF (Wu Lin Feng) in China, and has never gone to a decision.
UFC Beijing takes place November 24 at the Cadillac Arena in Beijing, China. The card streams live on UFC Fight Pass, and is topped by a heavyweight main event rematch between Curtis Blaydes and Francis Ngannou.
