Chicago — Flyweight Alibi Idiris is the latest Kazakh fighter looking to break into the UFC, and he’ll look the land in the promotion at UFC 319 this Saturday, where he fights in The Ultimate Fighter 33 final against Joseph Morales.
The difference between fighting on the show, which filmed earlier this year before airing across the past 12 weeks, and fighting in the finale as part of this Saturday’s big card at the United Center in Chicago, is considerable, noted Idiris.
“It was very hard to be at the TUF house reality show, because it was 40 days, and we had to fight very frequently,” Alibi Idiris (10-0) explained, speaking with media outlets including Cageside Press. “So for this one, I got the whole camp with all my team, and I feel pretty good.”
Idiris is set to face Jpseph Morales, who has actually competed in the UFC previously, in the TUF 33 finale. Yet there’s more to the show than just a way into the UFC. He’s also formed a bond with coach Daniel Cormier, a former UFC double-champ and Hall of Fame member.
“When I was on the TUF reality show, I knew I had to do my best to show my charisma, my hard work, all that stuff. I realized that I needed to do that,” stated Idiris. “So yeah after I showed my charisma, my hard work, we met each other and after that we got the connection. And we still follow each other on IG, and [are] in touch every day.”
Watch the full UFC 319 media day appearance by TUF 33 flyweight finalist Alibi Idiris above. The card takes place this Saturday, August 16, 2025 at the United Center in Chicago, IL.
