Three UFC newcomers stepped into the Octagon at UFC Vegas 117 at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Sat., May 16, 2026, combining for a 1–2 record on the night.
Christian Edwards dropped a split decision to Modestas Bukauskas in a 215-pound catchweight bout after stepping in on just five days’ notice. Edwards entered the event with a 3–5 mark in his previous eight outings, including a loss to Luke Fernandez, and was ultimately graded a C- for his performance.
Season 9 Contender Series signee Tommy Gantt delivered the standout rookie showing, earning an A+ grade after stopping short-notice replacement Artur Miniev by referee stoppage via ground-and-pound from back mount. The bout marked Gantt’s return from the longest layoff of his career.
Miniev, who accepted the matchup on less than five days’ notice, was handed an F grade following the defeat.
Potential future pairings suggested coming out of the event include Christian Edwards vs. Junior Tafa, Tommy Gantt vs. Trey Ogden, and Artur Miniev vs. Charlie Campbell.
