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The weigh-ins for UFC Vegas 97 were anything but routine, as middleweight contender Dylan Budka had a tough time on the scales. Budka tipped in at 188.5 pounds, exceeding the middleweight limit by 2.5 pounds, including the non-title fight allowance. His shaky demeanor as he stepped onto the scale raised concern among fans and commentators alike, hinting at a difficult weight cut.
Budka’s opponent, Andre Petroski, had no such trouble, hitting the scales at 185.5 pounds. Despite Budka’s weight miss, the fight will go ahead as planned, with Budka forfeiting 20 percent of his fight purse as a penalty. Fans are still eager to see how Budka’s struggle on the scale translates into his performance in the octagon.
The weigh-in woes didn’t stop with Budka. Canadian featherweight Kyle Nelson also came in heavy at 148.5 pounds for his fight with Steve Garcia, who made weight at 145.5 pounds. Like Budka, Nelson will also face a 20 percent purse deduction. Despite his miss on the scale, Nelson has been on a roll, defeating Bill Algeo, Fernando Padilla, and Blake Bilder as an underdog. Garcia, riding his own streak of four consecutive finishes, poses a significant challenge.
In contrast, welterweight headliners Gilbert Burns and Sean Brady both successfully made weight at 171 pounds, along with co-main flyweights Natalia Silva (124.5) and Jessica Andrade (125.5).
As the fighters prepare to step into the octagon, fans are left wondering if these weight misses will have any impact on fight night. One thing is for certain: UFC Vegas 97 promises to be an action-packed event.
Main Card:
Gilbert Burns (171) vs. Sean Brady (171)
Jessica Andrade (124.5) vs. Natalia Silva (125.5)
Steve Garcia (145.5) vs. Kyle Nelson (148.5)
Matt Schnell (135) vs. Cody Durden (135)
Trevor Peek (155) vs. Yanal Ashmouz (154.5)
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