Get to Know the Undefeated Fighters Taking Center Stage at UFC Vegas 117
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UFC Vegas 117 is stacked with undefeated talent, and with that comes a different kind of pressure. Protecting a perfect record in the UFC is no easy task, especially as the level of competition continues to rise.
So we decided to highlight some of the unbeaten prospects set to take center stage. Check out the four fighting this weekend:
Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev (8-0)
A light heavyweight fighting out of China, Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev has built his reputation on relentless pressure and a suffocating ground game. Six of his wins have come via first-round finishes, with three ending in under a minute.
What’s most impressive is that he hasn’t slowed down as the competition has improved. Yakhyaev earned his UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series with a 30-second knockout, then followed it up with a 33-second submission win in his UFC debut this past November. If he keeps this pace, he won’t be flying under the radar much longer.
Rafael Estevam (14-0)
Brazil’s Rafael Estevam brings an unblemished record into a new chapter of his career as he moves up to bantamweight. After struggling to consistently make the flyweight limit, the weight change could be a turning point.
The big question: will the move unlock a better version of Estevam? A less taxing weight cut could improve his durability and performance. This happens all the time, when fighters can focus on training instead of managing their weight. But moving up to bantamweight, size and strength become bigger factors. It remains to be seen whether he’ll feel stronger or undersized against naturally bigger opponents.
Tommy McMillen (9-0)
An undefeated featherweight out of the United States, Tommy McMillen enters the UFC following a dominant run on the regional scene. Every one of his wins came via first-round finish, showcasing his ability to overwhelm opponents early.
He earned his contract on the Contender Series last season, but now faces a significant step up in competition. That fight resulted in his first win via decision, and competition just gets tougher. The question is whether his aggressive, fast-finishing style will translate at the UFC level or if he’ll need time to adjust and find his rhythm.
Guilherme Pat (6-0)
Brazilian heavyweight Guilherme Pat already passed his first UFC test, earning a win over fellow undefeated prospect Allen Frye Jr. in his debut last year.
Standing at 6’5”, Pat brings a clear size and reach advantage into this matchup against Thomas Peterson. His striking should be a major factor, but the path to victory isn’t without danger. Peterson’s wrestling presents a real threat, and Pat will need to keep the fight standing to maximize his advantages.
For a full breakdown of the card, check out our complete guide to UFC Vegas 117:
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