Gigi Canuto steps in on short notice, faces Contender Series winner Carol on UFC Vegas 120 card

Ultimate Fighting Championship matchmakers have once again leaned into short-notice chaos for UFC Vegas 120. According to Yahoo Sports, a late addition to the card will put top Brazilian prospect Gigi Canuto against Contender Series winner Carol, with the bout being finalized just four days before the event date.

The timing underscores how quickly UFC cards can evolve, even after an initial slate of matchups is public. UFC Vegas 120 had already seen multiple short-notice changes introduced late last week, and the latest move creates a third ripple effect so close to fight week.

Canuto’s path matters in a UFC context because she represents the current crop of fighters emerging from The Ultimate Fighter Season 34. The matchup is also notable because Canuto was identified as a TUF 34 standout, meaning she is entering the octagon with a profile built directly through the show’s spotlight rather than only through regional or short-lead promotion.

From a style and preparation standpoint, the short turnaround is the story as much as the opponent. A four-day notice bout affects every part of a camp, from film study to cutting logistics to sparring volume. Fighters typically game-plan around opponents weeks in advance, so the ability to adjust quickly can become a deciding factor when the calendar is compressed.

Canuto is listed in UFC materials as a strawweight prospect, and the fight is being framed as a clash between a Brazilian up-and-comer looking to convert The Ultimate Fighter momentum into UFC results and a Contender Series winner attempting to prove she can succeed at the sport’s next tier. That dynamic, a TUF-earned pathway meeting a Contender Series earned pathway, is a familiar UFC storyline, but the late scheduling adds uncertainty to any projection.

For Carol, the assignment represents an immediate test of her ability to handle UFC-level preparation without the usual runway. The UFC often uses Contender Series winners to inject fresh contenders into the roster, but turning that opportunity into a competitive debut usually requires a quick mental shift, especially when the opponent is not the one originally targeted for a longer camp.

With UFC Vegas 120 now featuring another short-notice pairing, fight week will likely amplify questions about readiness and how much either fighter can impose their strengths early. The most important thing to watch will be Canuto’s comfort with timing and distance in the early rounds, because that is where adjustment gaps most often show up when camps are condensed.

UFC cards built on last-minute changes can produce uneven results, but they also create chances for fighters who stay composed under pressure. If Canuto can look crisp despite the short notice, she could position herself for more consistent opportunities, while a strong performance by Carol would reinforce that Contender Series winners can translate their momentum quickly. Yahoo Sports’ report is the latest confirmation of the matchup arrangement. “