The UFC Sao Paulo card is set to have another change just a few days before fight night. Esteban Ribovics, who held a record of 12-1, has stepped out of his anticipated lightweight face-off against his fellow Brazilian, Elves Brener, who has a record of 15-3. Ribovics was entering the fight fresh off his first promotional victory against Kamuela Kirk at UFC 290 in July, following a failed debut against Loik Radzhabov at UFC 285 in March.
Replacing Ribovics in the lightweight clash will be fellow Brazilian Kaynan Kruschewsky, who holds a record of 15-2. The Dana White’s Contender Series graduate is stepping up on short notice, just three days, for his UFC debut. This represents a quick turnaround for Kruschewsky, who recently secured a first-round submission victory over Dylan Mantello on Dana White’s Contender Series in September. The change in fighters was initially reported by Octagon MMA on their social media, and the updated bout is likely to take place at a 165-pound catchweight.
Elves Brener had made his UFC debut in February, delivering a split decision win over the Russian veteran Zubaira Tukhugov. The 26-year-old had been considered a +500 underdog going into his second UFC match against Georgian superstar Guram Kutateladze. Despite the odds, Brener showcased an extraordinary display of endurance and determination, ultimately earning a remarkable third-round technical knockout. Prior to his stunning victory on the Contender Series, Kaynan Kruschewsky had secured three consecutive victories under the Jungle Fight banner. UFC Fight Night 231 is set to take place this Saturday at the Ibirapuera Gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and will be headlined by a heavyweight clash between Jailton Almeida and Derrick Lewis.