The Meta APEX makes its return and first look of the month for a UFC Struggle Evening, as loads of gruelling contests await on Saturday.
The headliner in Las Vegas options two featherweight contenders exterior of the highest 10 who love to complete a battle by knockout.
The previous interim title challenger, Josh Emmett, is aiming to bounce again and use his expertise as a bonus, dealing with considered one of Argentina’s most promising MMA fighters, Kevin Vallejos.
Here’s what it’s good to learn about the principle occasion, in addition to three different fights that can catch your eye when watching UFC Vegas 114.
Emmett is struggling to triumph within the Octagon
The 41-year-old has not been in motion since October 2025, when he misplaced inside 100 seconds of the primary spherical by submission to Youssef Zalal at UFC 320.
‘CC0’ has been struggling to select up victories ever since he earned the chance to battle for the Interim Featherweight Championship at UFC 284 towards Yair Rodriguez, additionally shedding by submission in that bout.
In his final 5 clashes, Emmett has solely picked up one win, which occurred at UFC 296 when he brutally knocked out Bryce Mitchell within the first spherical.
It appears that evidently, over current instances, the Phoenix-born fighter is at all times troubled by rising prospects, as proven in his final battle and in his matchups with Ilia Topuria and Lerone Murphy.
Emmett is understood for his folkstyle wrestling and his sheer punching energy, which has precipitated issues for his opponents.
Earlier than his downfall, the American featherweight was on a five-fight win streak with spectacular wins towards Michael Johnson, Shane Burgos and Dan Ige.
With 19 wins in his MMA profession, the #11 contender has solely produced 9 finishes, which include seven KO/TKO triumphs and two submissions.
With redemption on his thoughts, Emmett is in determined want of returning to a win column, as if he provides one other loss to his document, he might fall out of the highest 15.
Vallejos goals to stand up 145-pound rankings
‘El Chino’ turned a featherweight contender in his final bout after incomes a second-round TKO win towards Giga Chikadze at UFC Vegas 112.
The Argentinian newcomer has solely had three UFC appearances, claiming a choice win towards Danny Silva and a first-round TKO victory towards Choi Seung-woo, alongside together with his most up-to-date profitable brawl.
Vallejos entered the UFC after his second try on Dana White’s Contender Sequence (DWCS) in September 2024, securing a first-round TKO win over Cam Teague.
The 24-year-old’s first attempt was a yr prior, when he misplaced by unanimous choice to the present #6-ranked 145-pound fighter, Jean Silva, which has been his solely MMA loss.
The Buenos Aires-born combined martial artist focuses closely on his hanging however has often showcased grappling to indicate he’s a well-balanced fighter.
The #14 contender is at the moment on a six-fight win streak, with 5 of these bouts ending with a end, 4 of which have occurred in two rounds or much less.
With loads of stoppages on his document, Vallejos hardly ever goes to the judges’ scorecards as he’s earned 14 finishes from 17 victories, 12 by KO/TKO and two by submission.
The Argentinian featherweight has proven intimidation ever since he stepped within the Octagon, and if he can pull off one other knockout win, it might be sufficient for him to enter the highest 10 of the rankings.
Three Different Fights to look at at UFC Vegas 114
Amanda Lemos vs Gillian Robertson
A strawweight matchup that might see the winner place themselves in robust title competition to face Mackenzie Dern, relying on the end result.
Amanda Lemos eyes a return to profitable methods after struggling a unanimous choice loss to Tatiana Suarez at Noche UFC, hoping to assert a second shot on the 115-pound title.
Gillian Robertson is on a four-fight win streak because the Canadian prolonged her triumphant run at UFC Des Moines with a second-round TKO victory over Marina Rodriguez, rising to #8 within the rankings.
For the reason that change to strawweight, ‘The Savage’ has regarded unstoppable, however the Brazilian will probably be aiming to finish her constructive streak to take care of her place because the #5 contender.
Charles Johnson vs Bruno Silva
Two flyweight contenders who’re getting ready to falling off the rankings are battling it out to maintain a spot within the high 15.
Charles Johnson has not had a very good begin to 2026, following his first-round TKO defeat to Alex Perez at UFC 324 as redemption knocks for ‘InnerG’.
Bruno Silva redeemed himself from back-to-back knockout losses by defeating Park Hyun-sung by second-round submission at UFC Vancouver.
There’s a lot to stay up for, as a victory is important for each males, and a doubtlessly thrilling contest at 125 kilos is within the works.
Chris Curtis vs Myktybek Oralbai
This 170-pound conflict is the featured prelim, and there may be each motive why this must be an anticipated look ahead to UFC followers.
Chris Curtis made his welterweight debut in his final bout, edging a break up choice victory towards Max Griffin at UFC Nashville and making a return to the win column.
Myktybek Oralbai delivered a sensational knockout in his final matchup when he defeated Jack Hermansson within the first spherical at UFC Qatar, placing the 28-year-old on a two-fight win streak.
Each fighters are entertaining to look at because of their preventing model and the finishes they’ve earned within the UFC, however who will come out on high on the Meta APEX?
