As the UFC prepares for its highly anticipated return to Saudi Arabia on February 1, 2025, the event has suffered significant setbacks with the cancellation of two key fights just days before fight night. The main card was initially set to feature a middleweight bout between Andre Muniz and Ikram Aliskerov, but passport issues have forced Muniz out of the matchup. Additionally, Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady’s preliminary fight against Bolaji Oki has also been scrapped due to Oki’s withdrawal. These last-minute changes have left fans and fighters alike reeling as the UFC Saudi Arabia card now stands at 11 bouts.
Muniz vs. Aliskerov: A Disappointing Cancellation
The cancellation of the Muniz vs. Aliskerov fight is particularly disheartening for fans who were looking forward to this middleweight clash. Muniz (24-6 MMA, 6-2 UFC) announced via Instagram that he encountered unforeseen passport issues that prevented him from traveling to Riyadh for the event. This marks the second time that this matchup has been scheduled and subsequently canceled; the two were originally slated to face each other in June 2024 before Muniz withdrew due to a foot injury.
Due to passport issues by Andre Muniz, his fight against Ikram Aliskerov is off at UFC Saudi Arabia on February 1st pic.twitter.com/jGejgkiDE5
— Talking UFC (@Talking_UFC) January 26, 2025
In his statement, Muniz expressed his frustration, stating, “Unfortunately, neither I nor my team, nor the UFC, knew about this in time to let us know.” He confirmed that both he and Aliskerov (15-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC) are eager to reschedule their bout for a later date. This cancellation not only delays Muniz’s long-awaited return to the octagon but also denies Aliskerov another chance to bounce back after his first UFC loss to Robert Whittaker last June.
The absence of this fight from the card is a blow to what was already shaping up to be an exciting lineup featuring notable fighters such as Israel Adesanya and Michael Page. Fans had high hopes for a thrilling showdown between Muniz and Aliskerov, both of whom are looking to establish themselves as serious contenders in the middleweight division.
Al-Selwady vs. Oki: Another Fight Falls Through
The cancellation of Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady’s bout against Bolaji Oki adds further disappointment to the event. Al-Selwady (15-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC) announced on social media that Oki had withdrawn from their lightweight prelim matchup and indicated that there would be no replacement opponent. This news came just six days before the event and further highlights the unpredictable nature of fight week preparations.
Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady posted his fight against Bolaji Oki is off the #UFCSaudiArabia card. pic.twitter.com/W0OArcv3mG
— Marcel Dorff 🇳🇱🇮🇩 (@BigMarcel24) January 27, 2025
With these two cancellations, UFC Saudi Arabia will proceed with a total of 11 bouts on the card. The main event will still feature former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya taking on rising contender Nassourdine Imavov, while Shara Magomedov will welcome Michael Page in a co-main event that promises excitement. Other matchups include Sergei Pavlovich vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Said Nurmagomedov vs. Vinicius Oliveira.
Despite these setbacks, the UFC remains committed to delivering an entertaining evening of fights in Riyadh. The organization has shown resilience in adapting to last-minute changes in fight cards, and fans can still expect a night filled with high-stakes action and thrilling performances.
While the cancellations of Muniz vs. Aliskerov and Al-Selwady vs. Oki are disappointing developments for UFC Fight Night 250, the remaining lineup still holds promise for an exhilarating night of mixed martial arts action in Saudi Arabia. As fighters prepare for their bouts amid these changes, all eyes will be on February 1 as fans eagerly await what unfolds in the octagon.
