Kennedy Nzechukwu Out, Uran Satybaldiev Steps In to Face Martin Buday at UFC Vegas 105

This weekend’s UFC Vegas 105 card has undergone a last-minute shakeup, as Kennedy Nzechukwu has been forced to withdraw from his heavyweight clash against Martin Buday due to an undisclosed injury. In his place, undefeated newcomer Uran Satybaldiev will step up on short notice to make his UFC debut against the surging Slovakian heavyweight. The event is set to take place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

Kennedy Nzechukwu is off Saturday’s #UFCVegas105 card, per officials.

LFA LHW champ Uran Satybaldiev has stepped in to fight Martin Buday on two days notice. pic.twitter.com/LODlGyeaET

— Nolan King (@mma_kings) April 3, 2025

The announcement was made Thursday evening, leaving fans intrigued by the unexpected twist and eager to see how Satybaldiev performs in his first appearance on MMA’s biggest stage.

Uran Satybaldiev: A Dangerous Debutant

Uran Satybaldiev (9-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) enters the Octagon with an unblemished professional record and a reputation for finishing fights. Known by his moniker “Gorilla,” the Kyrgyzstani fighter boasts six wins by TKO/KO and one by submission, with only two of his bouts going the distance. Satybaldiev has built his career as a light heavyweight and recently captured the LFA light heavyweight championship before accepting this short-notice opportunity.

After a back-and-forth three round war, Uran Satybaldiev locks up the kimura in R3 against Leon Soares to retain his LFA light-heavyweight title. What a wild main event #LFA203 pic.twitter.com/1Gtvuk6MOe

— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) March 7, 2025

What makes this debut even more intriguing is Satybaldiev’s decision to move up a weight class to face a seasoned heavyweight like Buday. At just 28 years old, he has shown versatility and power, making him a compelling addition to the UFC roster. Fans are eager to see if he can maintain his undefeated streak while dealing with the size and experience disparity in this matchup.

Martin Buday: The Heavyweight Veteran

Martin Buday (14-2 MMA, 5-1 UFC) enters this fight fresh off a split-decision victory over former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski in June. The win marked a significant milestone in Buday’s career, showcasing his ability to compete with high-level competition. However, before that victory, he suffered a TKO loss to Shamil Gaziev, highlighting some vulnerabilities in his striking defense.

Buday’s game revolves around his durability and clinch-heavy fighting style, which often wears down opponents over time. Against Satybaldiev, he will look to use his size advantage and experience in the heavyweight division to impose his will and secure another victory. With a record of five wins in six UFC outings, Buday has quietly established himself as a dangerous contender in the division.

For Martin Buday, this fight represents an opportunity to continue building momentum and solidify his position as a rising threat in the heavyweight division. A win over an undefeated prospect like Satybaldiev would further bolster his resume and potentially set him up for higher-profile matchups later this year.

For Uran Satybaldiev, this is a chance to make an immediate impact in the UFC. Stepping up on short notice against a veteran like Buday is no easy task, but a victory would instantly elevate his status as one of the most exciting new additions to the promotion.

With both fighters bringing unique skill sets and plenty of motivation into this bout, fans can expect an explosive showdown at UFC Vegas 105. Whether it’s Buday’s grinding style or Satybaldiev’s finishing ability that prevails, this matchup promises to deliver high-stakes action.