UFC
UFC Vegas 104 Takes a Hit As Marquel Mederos Withdraws Due to Injury
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UFC Vegas 104, set to take place this Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, has suffered a significant blow with the withdrawal of Marquel Mederos from his scheduled lightweight bout against Evan Elder. The reason for Mederos’ withdrawal is an undisclosed injury, which has led to a reshuffling of upcoming UFC events.
#UFCVegas104 loses one fight due to injury https://t.co/iJoX8EZUj9
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) March 13, 2025
The news was announced on Thursday, and as a result, Evan Elder has been reassigned to UFC Kansas City, where he will face Ahmad Hassanzada. This change comes after Mitch Ramirez, originally slated to fight Hassanzada, also suffered an injury. UFC on ESPN 66 is scheduled for April 26 in Kansas City.
Mitch Ramirez is out of his fight against Ahmad Hassanzada in Kansas City on April 26.
Evan Elder, who was originally scheduled to face Marquel Mederos this weekend will step in, per the UFC.
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) March 13, 2025
UFC Fight Night 254, also known as UFC Vegas 104, will now proceed with 13 bouts instead of the originally planned 14. The main card features several exciting matchups, including Marvin Vettori vs. Roman Dolidze, Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos vs. Chidi Njokuani, and Seungwoo Choi vs. Kevin Vallejos. The preliminary card is equally stacked, with notable fights such as Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Ryan Spann and Priscila Cachoeira vs. Josiane Nunes.
The injury to Marquel Mederos is unfortunate, as fans were looking forward to seeing him in action. However, the quick adjustment by the UFC to move Evan Elder to another event ensures that fans will still get to see him compete soon. This kind of flexibility is crucial in maintaining the momentum of the UFC’s packed schedule.
Impact on the Event
The withdrawal of Marquel Mederos due to injury highlights the unpredictable nature of MMA. Fighters often face last-minute setbacks, which can significantly impact their careers and the events they are part of. For Mederos, this injury means a delay in his return to the octagon, which could affect his momentum and ranking.
On the other hand, Evan Elder’s swift reassignment to UFC on ESPN 66 is a positive development for him. It shows that the UFC values his participation and is willing to find him a new opportunity quickly. This move also benefits Ahmad Hassanzada, who now has a confirmed opponent after Mitch Ramirez’s injury.
UFC Vegas 104 will still offer an exciting lineup despite the loss of one bout. The main event between Marvin Vettori and Roman Dolidze is expected to be a closely contested battle, with both fighters looking to make a statement in the middleweight division. Other notable fights include Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos vs. Chidi Njokuani and Alexander Hernandez vs. Kurt Holobaugh, which promise to deliver action-packed performances.
While the injury to Marquel Mederos is disappointing, the UFC’s swift response in reassigning Evan Elder demonstrates its commitment to providing fans with the best possible fights. As the sport continues to evolve, the ability to adapt to setbacks will remain crucial for both fighters and promoters alike.
