Ivan Gnizditskiy, an unbeaten 30-year-old Russian light heavyweight, has signed with the UFC after a visa problem forced him out of a scheduled appearance on Dana White's Contender Series, Sherdog reported, attributing the confirmation to his manager, Ali Askarov of Crown Sports Management, who spoke to MMA Junkie on October 15.
Gnizditskiy (7-0) was scheduled to meet Nell Ariano (6-1) on Dana White's Contender Series Season 10, the annual tryout series that rewards winning prospects with a UFC contract. He could not travel for the bout because of visa issues, according to MiddleEasy. Rather than losing his shot at a deal over a logistical setback, the UFC signed him directly, bypassing the televised tryout he could not reach.
A finisher's record
Every one of Gnizditskiy's seven professional wins has ended in a finish, six by knockout or technical knockout and one by submission, and he has gone beyond the first round only twice in his career. He fought twice in 2025 for ONE Championship's Friday Fights series at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, winning both by first-round stoppage before turning his attention to the UFC.
What comes next
No opponent or event has yet been announced for Gnizditskiy's promotional debut. Both outlets that reported the signing said he is expected to fight for the UFC in December, though the promotion has not confirmed a date or card for that appearance.
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