Thomas Gantt (11-0) will face Artur Minev (7-0) in a lightweight bout at UFC Vegas 117 this weekend. Minev replaces Trey Ogden, who withdrew due to injury. Gantt is a collegiate wrestler from University of North Carolina who transitioned to MMA in 2023, compiling an impressive 14-fight run between February 2024 and February 2025, winning his DWCS bout in September with 10 of 11 victories coming by finish. Minev represents Ukraine, trains in the United States, and has six finishes in seven professional bouts since starting his career in 2023, primarily competing in Cage Fury.
Thomas Gantt and Artur Minev are set to meet in a lightweight contest at UFC Vegas 117 this weekend, after Trey Ogden was forced to withdraw from his scheduled bout with Gantt due to injury.
Gantt enters the octagon with a perfect 11-0 professional record, having built his unbeaten run with remarkable efficiency. The University of North Carolina collegiate wrestling product made the jump to MMA in 2023 and hit the ground running, compiling a 14-fight stretch between February 2024 and February 2025. Ten of his eleven wins have come by finish, and he earned his UFC contract with a decisive victory on the Dana White Contender Series in September.
Minev steps in as a late replacement, bringing his own unblemished 7-0 record into the contest. The Ukrainian fighter, who is based and trains in the United States, turned professional in 2023 and built his reputation largely in Cage Fury Fighting Championships. Six of his seven victories have come by finish, making him a dangerous short-notice opponent despite the quick turnaround.
Ogden, the original opponent, was a 36-year-old orthodox striker from the United States competing out of Marathon MMA. He carried an 18-7 professional record into his scheduled appearance, averaging 3.2 significant strikes landed per minute with 50 percent striking accuracy, and posed a consistent grappling threat with 1.89 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Two undefeated fighters collide in a high-stakes lightweight debut for both men on the UFC roster
- Both Gantt and Minev carry elite finishing rates, suggesting an early stoppage is well within range stylistically
- A win for either fighter over an unbeaten opponent would serve as a significant statement in a crowded and competitive lightweight division
