Ivan
Gnizditskiy has secured an
Ultimate Fighting Championship contract despite missing his
scheduled appearance on
Dana White’s Contender Series.
Ivan Gnizditskiy signs UFC deal after visa issues derail
Contender Series appearance
The unbeaten Russian light heavyweight’s manager, Ali Askarov of
Crown Sports Management, confirmed the signing to MMA Junkie. Gnizditskiy (7-0) is expected to
make his promotional debut in December.
Gnizditskiy was scheduled to face Nell Ariano
(6-1) on DWCS Season 10 but withdrew because of visa issues. The
30-year-old has since signed directly with the UFC.
Gnizditskiy has finished all seven of his professional victories,
six by knockout or technical knockout and one by submission. He
competed twice in One
Championship in 2025 before stopping Tursunbek
Sodikov in his most recent bout in March.