Thomas Gantt vs Arthur Minev set for UFC Vegas 117 in lightweight debut

Thomas Gantt will face Arthur Minev in a lightweight bout at UFC Vegas 117 this weekend, with both fighters making their UFC debuts. Minev has stepped in as a replacement for Trey Ogden, who withdrew due to injury. Gantt is a former wrestler from the University of North Carolina who transitioned to MMA in 2023, compiling an impressive 14-fight run between February 2024 and February 2025 with 10 of 11 professional wins coming by finish. He won his contract via the Contender Series in September. Minev represents Ukraine, trains in the USA, and has finished 6 of his 7 victories with 4 knockouts and 2 submissions, primarily competing in Cage Fury before earning his UFC opportunity.