recent Dana White’s Contenders Series The alumnus, who won the show but has no contracts, joins the upcoming Emirates Warriors 36.
Featherweight Dennis Buzukja (9-2), who trains at Longo and Weidman MMA in New York, will face Mark Gregory Valerio (7-7). The Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi on Saturday, 25 February 2023, hosted the second triple-header promotion event for UAE Warriors 36.
A source familiar with the situation informed Cageside Press of the booking.
Buzukja, 25, has won five straight, including a Contenders series he played last July. That fight took him even further, with a unanimous decision win over Calleo Romero. However, UFC President Dana White did not feel it was appropriate to award Buzukja a contract.
Buzukja will fight again in 2022, capturing the Featherweight Championship in the regional promotion Maverick MMA. Buzukja previously competed in Bellator MMA and made his debut there in 2018.
Valerio, from the Philippines, has not played since November 2019, when he made his debut under the UAE Warriors banner, losing to James Bishop.
Emirates Warriors 36 will be followed by Emirates Warriors 35: Africa the night before, followed by Emirates Warriors 37 on Sunday, February 26, 2023. Saturday night’s fight will feature UAE Warriors lightweight champion Bruno Machado (15-9) defending his title against Korea’s Un Jae Jung (8-2-1). Former PFL Light Heavyweight Champion Emiliano Sordi (23-11-1) meets Asylzhan Bakhytzhanuly (13-4-1) in a joint headliner.
Live broadcast of the event UFC Fight Pass.