UFC Matchmaking Bulletin (9/4-9/10): Ranked Flyweights Join UFC 295 Card At MSG, Two Cancellations

MMA News has you covered with this week’s UFC matchmaking bulletin, featuring fights for top 10 flyweight contender Matt Schnell and lightweight veteran Jared Gordon.

With UFC cards being held most weekends, Mick Maynard and Sean Shelby have their matchmaking work cut out if they’re to fill them, meaning new bouts are confirmed each and every week.

It was a quiet week in terms of big-name announcements, with little coming together. There was, however, one confirmed headliner for next month, with rising lightweight Grant Dawson slated to make his main event debut against veteran Bobby Green at UFC Vegas 80 on October 7.

It was a busier week overall for fight announcements, with a number of lower-profile matchups coming together. For some of those, check out this week’s quick hits:

• Jacob Malkoun vs. Cody Brundage – UFC Vegas 79 (September 23)
• Montana De La Rosa vs. Stephanie Egger – UFC Vegas 80 (October 7)
• Karolina Kowalkiewicz vs. Diana Belbiţă – UFC Vegas 80 (October 7)
• Anshul Jubli vs. Mike Breeden – UFC 294 (October 21)
• Mohammad Yahya vs. Trevor Peek – UFC 294 (October 21)

But it wasn’t all positive, with a couple of fights falling through or being adjusted in recent days. For those failed pairings and the confirmed replacements, see the list below:

• Natan Levy (OUT, Charlie Campbell IN) vs. Alex Reyes – Noche UFC (September 16)
• Iasmin Lucindo (OUT, Marnic Mann IN) vs. Josefine Knutsson – Noche UFC (September 16)

And for more detailed information on two notable fights that may have flown under your radar between September 4 and September 10, scroll down and check out this week’s UFC matchmaking bulletin.

Matt Schnell vs. Steve Erceg – UFC 295 (November 11)

After a statement-making debut, Australia’s Steve Erceg has the chance to further climb the 125-pound ladder at the prestigious surroundings of Madison Square Garden.

Erceg (10-1) made the most of a short-notice opportunity at the Canada-held UFC 289 event this past June. There, he immediately broke into the rankings by outpointing former top 10 contender David Dvořák. The result marked a sizable upset and firmly put “AstroBoy” on the map.

Having debuted in the flyweight pecking order at #14, Erceg will have the chance to ascend into the top 10 at UFC 295 when he shares the Octagon with the #8-ranked Matt Schnell (16-8). “Danger” has cemented himself as one of the top entertainers in the division, but he fell short against Matheus Nicolau last time out in pursuit of a place in title contention.

This flyweight fight was announced by the promotion.

Matt Schnell vs. Steve Erceg is official for #UFC295 in New York on Nov. 11, per promotion officials. pic.twitter.com/WrjTO6VAEC

— Nolan King (@mma_kings) September 6, 2023

Jared Gordon vs. Mark O. Madsen – UFC 295 (November 11)

A pair of notable lightweight veterans will also be in action in New York City on November 11.

It’s been a difficult period for Jared Gordon (19-6, 1 NC), starting with a controversial loss to British star Paddy Pimblett last December at UFC 282. After being denied what he and many others perceived to be a deserved victory, “Flash” fell victim to a nasty headbutt in his return fight against Bobby Green this past April. That contributed to a brutal KO and led to a No Contest.

Having had his plan for a fight weeks later stalled by health concerns, Gordon will make the walk again at UFC 295, where 2016 Olympic silver medalist Mark O. Madsen will await him. The Danish 38-year-old began his Octagon career with four straight wins, including over Austin Hubbard and Clay Guida. But opposite Grant Dawson last time out, “The Olympian” fell to his first professional loss in MMA courtesy of a third-round submission. 

This lightweight bout was first reported by Danish outlet, TV2 ØST.

Jared Gordon will fight Mark O. Madsen at #UFC295 on November 11th. (first rep. @TV_east) #UFC #MMA #UFCESPN #UFC2023 #UFCNY pic.twitter.com/3BukgskGzn

— Marcel Dorff 🇳🇱🇮🇩 (@BigMarcel24) September 8, 2023