Thomas Gantt vs Arthur Minev set for UFC Vegas 117 after opponent change

Thomas Gantt (11-0) will face Arthur Minev (7-0) at UFC Vegas 117 in a lightweight debut bout for both fighters. Minev replaces the injured Trey Ogden on short notice. Gantt is a wrestling-based fighter from North Carolina who transitioned to MMA in 2023 and compiled an impressive 14-fight run between February 2024 and February 2025, winning on Dana White's Contender Series in September with 10 of 11 victories coming by finish. Minev represents Ukraine while training in the US, has six finishes in seven fights (four knockouts, two submissions), and primarily competed for Cage Fury before earning his UFC opportunity.