UFC Fighter Misses Weight for 3rd Time

Rafael Estevam fails to make weight ahead of UFC Vegas 115 bout

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:36pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the abstract shapes and angles of a UFC fighter stepping onto the scale, conveying the stress and difficulty of making weight for a fight.A fragmented, cubist depiction of the chaotic UFC weigh-ins captures the tension and pressure facing fighters who struggle to make weight.Las Vegas Today

Rafael Estevam, an undefeated UFC fighter, missed weight for the third time in his career ahead of his fight at UFC Vegas 115. Estevam came in at 136.5 pounds, 1.5 pounds over the 135-pound non-title fight limit. His bout against Ethyn Ewing will now proceed as a catchweight match, with Estevam forfeiting 20% of his purse as a penalty.

Why it matters

Missing weight is a serious issue in combat sports, as it can provide a competitive advantage and raises concerns about fighter health and safety. Estevam's repeated failures to make weight have led to questions about his professionalism and ability to compete at the highest level.

The details

At the UFC Vegas 115 weigh-ins, three fighters missed weight - Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev, Rafael Estevam, and Darrius Flowers. Estevam's bout against Ethyn Ewing will now be a catchweight match, with Estevam forfeiting 20% of his purse. The top two fights on the card, Renato Moicano vs. Chris Duncan and Virna Jandiroba vs. Tabatha Ricci, both made weight successfully.

  • Rafael Estevam missed weight on April 3, 2026 ahead of UFC Vegas 115.

The players

Rafael Estevam

An undefeated UFC fighter who has missed weight three times in his career, twice at 135 pounds and once at 125 pounds.

Ethyn Ewing

Estevam's opponent at UFC Vegas 115, whose bout will now proceed as a catchweight match due to Estevam's weight miss.

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What’s next

The UFC will likely closely monitor Estevam's weight management going forward, and may consider taking disciplinary action if he continues to miss weight.

The takeaway

Estevam's repeated weight misses highlight the importance of professionalism and responsibility in combat sports. Fighters who cannot consistently make weight put their health, safety, and careers at risk.