Rankings Tracker: Which Ranked Fighters are Competing at UFC Fight Night 235?

The anticipation is building as the Ultimate Fighting Championship stages a return to Las Vegas this Saturday at the UFC Apex. UFC Fight Night 235 is primed to be a sensational event, headlined by two dynamic middleweight contenders.

The main event features Roman Dolidze, hungry for redemption after a challenging period, facing off against Nassourdine Imavov, who is determined to erase recent setbacks and reclaim victory. Both fighters are eager to make a statement and climb the middleweight ranks.

Adding to the thrill, a women’s flyweight clash between Viviane Araujo and surging competitor Natalia Silva will also be featured on the main card. Araujo recently snapped a two-fight skid by grabbing a unanimous decision victory over Jennifer Maia at UFC Fight Night 230. Meanwhile, Silva is undefeated in the UFC over the course of her four Octagon appearances and seems determined to break into the upper echelons of the division.

A closer look at the Sherdog-ranked fighters booked for action at UFC Fight Night 235:

#10 | Roman Dolidze

In the headlining bout this weekend, two middleweights, both holding positions in the UFC middleweight rankings, are eager to set the stage for a successful start to 2024. Dolidze had a stellar run in 2022, securing three victories and extending his overall winning streak to four. However, his sole appearance last year resulted in a unanimous decision loss to perennial contender Marvin Vettori. With a 6-2 record inside the Octagon across two weight classes and an overall record of 12-2, Dolidze, at 25, believes he has more to showcase in upcoming bouts. Meanwhile, Imavov had bigger aspirations for 2023 after a relatively inactive year before. Despite doubling his appearances, the outcomes did not align with his expectations. He faced setbacks in a main event clash against late replacement Sean Strickland at the beginning of 2023 and had his Vancouver, British Columbia, fight with Chris Curtis declared a no contest due to an accidental clash of heads. Both fighters are positioned in the Top 15 rankings of the UFC, with Dolidze at No. 8 and Imavov at No. 11, and see this as the opportune moment to deliver a compelling performance and reignite their ascent in the division. Dolidze stands at No. 10 in the Sherdog rankings, anticipating a climb with a resounding victory. Meanwhile, the unranked Imavov has the prospect of making a significant impression through a statement-making performance.

#13 | Viviane Araujo

Another crucial confrontation in the lineup is a women’s flyweight clash pitting two distinguished Brazilian fighters, Araujo and Silva, against one another in what is expected to be a fiercely contested battle. Araujo, a UFC stalwart since the spring of 2019, holds a 6-4 record within the organization. As a litmus test for both rising contenders and seasoned veterans, Araujo’s setbacks have come against top-ranked opponents, including current champ Alexa Grasso. Across the cage, Silva, firmly situated among aspiring contenders, boasts an impressive four-fight winning streak in the UFC, with notable wins over fighters like Andrea Lee and Victoria Leonardo. Competing on her birthday, Silva, who will be 27, will enter the bout on the heels of a 10-fight winning streak in professional mixed martial arts and a display of athleticism and striking acumen that positions her as an intriguing rising talent in the competitive 125-pound weight class. Similar to the unfolding narrative with Dolidze and Imavov, Araujo holds the 13th spot in the Sherdog rankings, aiming for an upward surge with a triumphant showcase against a budding contender. Meanwhile, Silva stands at a pivotal juncture, where her chance to wield influence and potentially break into the rankings hinges on the outcome of her performance.