The next UFC card, technically UFC Fight Night 172, is set to go down this Saturday, and a familiar face is stepping in on short notice. Per a report by Combate, Hannah Cifers has joined the card, and will face Mariya Agapova.
Cifers replaces Melissa Gatto, whose withdrawal from the card was first reported by Cageside Press’ own Shawn Bitter.
Not only is this a short-notice fight for Cifers (10-5), but a quick turnaround as well. Cifers fought just two weeks ago at UFC Vegas, the first card to take place as Nevada opened back up for MMA. The strawweight lost to Mackenzie Dern that night — via kneebar, the first time a woman had pulled off a leg lock submission in UFC history. In her previous bout, Cifers had a two-fight win streak snapped in a loss to Angela Hill.
Agapova (8-1) will be making her promotional debut in the fight, and suddenly finds herself going up against a much more experienced opponent than planned. The Invicta standout has won two straight, over Alexa Conners and Marilia Santos.
Although not officially approved by the NSAC as of this writing, UFC Fight Night 172 is expected to take place at the promotion’s Apex facility in Las Vegas.
