Mark Vologdin prepares for UFC debut against John Castaneda

Mark Vologdin, 25, is set to make his UFC debut against veteran John Castaneda. Despite losing a decision on Dana White's Contender Series in October, Vologdin's performance was so exciting that Dana White gave standing applause and awarded him a contract alongside the winner. The Russian from Petrozavodsk holds a 12-4-1 record with 6 knockouts and 4 submissions, and is a master of sport in Kyokushin karate. His opponent Castaneda holds a 4-4 UFC record and hasn't fought in exactly one year, having lost his last bout to Chris Gutierrez by split decision.