THE APEX TIMES
With UFC Fight Night set for Nov. 7 at Meta APEX in Las Vegas, the promotion’s latest “Fighters on the Rise” column highlights Elijah Smith, Murtazali Magomedov and Nina Milosevic as three prospects the weekend could significantly advance.
UFC Fight Night: Cortes Acosta vs Walker lands on Nov. 7 at Meta APEX in Las Vegas, and UFC’s own preview frames the week’s smaller spotlight as a place where momentum can turn quickly. In the latest “Fighters on the Rise” edition, the focus is on three fighters viewed as emerging threats in their respective weight classes.
Elijah Smith, who earned his UFC roster spot through Season 8 of Dana White’s Contender Series, returns to Las Vegas looking for a fourth straight UFC win. The preview points to an 8-fight winning streak overall, including a decision UFC debut win over Vince Morales, a knockout of Toshiomi Kazama last summer, and a submission over SuYoung You earlier this year. This weekend’s step up is a matchup with British veteran Davey Grant, described as a long-time division fixture and a veteran who can stress an opponent’s game.
Murtazali Magomedov is presented as the relative newcomer drawing extra attention because he is coming off a highly decorated UFC debut in June. According to the preview, he submitted Melsik Baghdasaryan via “Scottish twister” in the first round, earning a quick path to finishes and establishing an undefeated record of 11-0 with 11 stoppages (five TKOs and six submissions). His opponent Saturday is Jose Delano, a “DWCS Class of ’25” graduate who the preview characterizes as unbeaten with five straight wins and victories in 11 of his last 12 bouts.
Nina Milosevic is highlighted as a fast-track candidate in a “relatively shallow” women’s bantamweight division, despite being just 30 years old and only making her second UFC start. The UFC preview describes her debut in Belgrade as dominant, ending Hailey Cowan with body-shot offense for what it frames as her ninth straight win and sixth finish. Milosevic is set to face divisional holdover Priscila Cachoeira, with the preview framing Cachoeira as a strong second assignment for assessing whether Milosevic’s power and approach can translate beyond the opening test.