Nurullo Aliev Debuts Against Rafael Alves at UFC Vegas 70
Another debutant is added to UFC Vegas 70 card in Tajikistan’s Nurullo Aliev.
Aliev is set to make his promotional debut at the event against Rafael Alves. The news comes from Nolan King of MMA Junkie, who is reporting that the bout will be made official by UFC.
Nurullo Aliev(8-0) is one of the most anticipated fighters signed from the Dana White Contender Series 2022 season. Dubbed as a “Khabib Clone” due to his similarities with Khabib Nurmagamedov, Aliev defeated Josh Wick via first-round TKO to impress the fans. He was immediately offered a UFC contract after that win.
Rafael Alves(20-11 overall) is also a graduate of Dana White Contender Series, but from the 2020 season. He is coming off a loss to Drew Dober at UFC 277 which resulted in an exciting fight and Dober getting a Performance Award.
Prior to that, Alves defeated Marc Diakiese via submission in the second minute of the fight in November 2021. He lost to Damir Damir Ismagulov in May 2021.
UFC Vegas 70 takes place on February 25, 2023, at UFC’s Apex Center. The event will also feature the return of Alex Reyes after 5 years of battling a spinal infection. Other debutants on the card includes Trevor Peek, José Johnson, Garrett Armfield, Darrius Flowers and Hailey Cowan.