A recent Dana White’s Contender Series alum who picked up a win, but not a contract, on the show has joined the upcoming UAE Warriors 36.
Featherweight Dennis Buzukja (9-2), who trains at Longo and Weidman MMA in New York, will face Mark Gregory Valerio (7-7) at the event. UAE Warriors 36, the second event of a triple header of cards for the promotion, takes place on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
A source familiar with the situation informed Cageside Press of the booking.
Buzukja, 25, has won five straight fights, including his Contender Series appearance last July. That bout saw him go the distance, picking up a unanimous decision win against Kaleio Romero. UFC President Dana White did not see fit to award Buzukja a contract, however.
Fighting once more in 2022, Buzukja picked up the featherweight title in regional promotion Maverick MMA. Buzukja has previously competed for Bellator MMA, making his pro debut there in 2018.
Valerio, from The Philippines, has not fought since November of 2019, when he debuted under the UAE Warriors banner in a losing effort against James Bishop.
UAE Warriors 36 will be preceded one night earlier by UAE Warriors 35: Africa, and followed by UAE Warriors 37 on Sunday, February 26, 2023. Saturday night’s event will be headlined by UAE Warriors lightweight champion Bruno Machado (15-9) defending his title opposite South Korean Un Jae Jung (8-2-1). Former PFL light heavyweight champ Emiliano Sordi (23-11-1) meets Asylzhan Bakhytzhanuly (13-4-1) in the co-headliner.
The event airs live on UFC Fight Pass.
