Unbeaten Finisher Ivan Gnizditskiy Signs UFC Deal After DWCS Withdrawal
Unbeaten Russian light heavyweight Ivan Gnizditskiy has secured a direct UFC contract and is expected to debut in December after visa issues derailed his DWCS appearance.
· VILLAND PICK editorial
Ivan Gnizditskiy has officially joined the Ultimate Fighting Championship roster despite missing his scheduled appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series. The unbeaten Russian light heavyweight's manager, Ali Askarov of Crown Sports Management, confirmed the signing to MMA Junkie.
The 30-year-old was originally slated to face Nell Ariano (6-1) on Season 10 of DWCS, but visa issues forced him to withdraw from the contest. Following the cancellation, Gnizditskiy bypassed the developmental series entirely and signed directly with the UFC. His promotional debut is expected to take place in December.
Gnizditskiy brings a pristine 7-0 professional record to the Octagon, having finished every opponent he has faced with six knockouts or technical knockouts and one submission. The Russian fighter competed twice under the ONE Championship banner in 2025 before earning a stoppage victory over Tursunbek Sodikov in his most recent bout in March.
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