UFC Vegas 115 Weigh-In Drama: Missed Marks and Catchweight Concessions

Three fighters miss weight, raising questions about weight class suitability and fighter support systems.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:57am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the intense physicality and mental strain of weight cutting in mixed martial arts, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in a palette of deep blues, fiery reds, and earthy browns.The grueling process of weight cutting in combat sports is deconstructed into a cubist masterpiece, capturing the physical and mental anguish of fighters striving to make weight.Las Vegas Today

The weigh-ins for UFC Vegas 115 were marked by controversy, as three fighters - Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev, Rafael Estevam, and Darrius Flowers - missed their weight targets. This is the third time Estevam has failed to make weight for a UFC bout, prompting concerns about his suitability for his current division. As a result, Estevam's fight against Ethyn Ewing and Flowers' bout with Lando Vannata will now proceed as catchweight contests, with the fighters forfeiting 20% of their purses.

Why it matters

The weight cutting challenges faced by some fighters highlight the immense physical and mental toll of the sport. While top contenders like Renato Moicano, Chris Duncan, Virna Jandiroba, and Tabatha Ricci displayed professionalism by making weight, the struggles of others raise questions about athlete development, nutrition, and the support systems in place to help fighters navigate this critical aspect of their careers.

The details

The drama of fight week often extends beyond the octagon, and UFC Vegas 115 was no exception, with the weigh-ins serving up a familiar dose of controversy. While the main event fighters, Renato Moicano and Chris Duncan, along with the co-headliners Virna Jandiroba and Tabatha Ricci, made weight with professional precision, the closing moments of the weigh-in window revealed a recurring issue for some.

  • The weigh-ins for UFC Vegas 115 took place on April 10, 2026.
  • Estevam previously missed weight in August 2025 for a flyweight bout.

The players

Renato Moicano

A professional MMA fighter competing in the UFC's lightweight division.

Chris Duncan

A professional MMA fighter competing in the UFC's lightweight division.

Virna Jandiroba

A professional MMA fighter competing in the UFC's strawweight division.

Tabatha Ricci

A professional MMA fighter competing in the UFC's strawweight division.

Rafael Estevam

A professional MMA fighter who has missed weight on three occasions in the UFC, raising concerns about his suitability for his current division.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The UFC will likely closely monitor Estevam's weight management and consider whether he should move up a division to address his recurring issues with making weight.

The takeaway

The weight cutting challenges faced by some fighters at UFC Vegas 115 highlight the need for improved athlete development, nutrition support, and holistic approaches to help fighters safely and consistently make weight. While top contenders displayed professionalism, the struggles of others raise questions about the integrity of the sport when weight classes are not properly maintained.