The official weigh-ins for UFC Vegas 115 on April 3, 2026, delivered unexpected drama as several fighters failed to make weight. Most notably, undefeated bantamweight Rafael Estevam missed for a third time. This comprehensive report details all the official UFC Vegas 115 weigh-in results. It highlights the penalties incurred and how these critical missteps set the stage for Saturday’s event at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas. The pre-fight scales are often the first test for any competitor. This event proved no exception, providing a glimpse into the high stakes and challenges of professional mixed martial arts.
UFC Vegas 115: Main Event Fighters Hit the Mark Smoothly
Despite the later drama, the top two fights on the card proceeded without any weigh-in issues. Longtime lightweight contender Renato Moicano was the first fighter to step onto the scale. He successfully hit the lightweight limit at 156 pounds. His opponent, Chris Duncan, later matched this weight. Both fighters looked focused and ready for their five-round main event clash. Moicano is known as a consistent entertainer in the octagon, promising an exciting headliner.
The co-main event also saw its participants make weight with ease. Strawweight contenders Virna Jandiroba and Tabatha Ricci both looked sharp. Jandiroba registered 116 pounds, while Ricci came in slightly under at 115.5 pounds. This highly anticipated women’s strawweight bout could potentially produce a future title challenger. Their professionalism on the scales sets the stage for a compelling three-round contest. These smooth weigh-ins for the headlining acts ensured the integrity of the most anticipated matchups.
Rafael Estevam’s Recurring Weigh-in Nightmare
The biggest storyline emerging from the UFC Vegas 115 weigh-ins was the recurring struggles of Rafael Estevam. The undefeated bantamweight missed weight for an unprecedented third time in his UFC career. Estevam registered 136.5 pounds for his bantamweight bout, half a pound over the 136-pound limit for non-title fights. This isn’t his first time facing such a challenge. He previously missed weight twice while competing in the flyweight division (125 pounds). In August, he famously came in at 130 pounds for a flyweight bout. This persistent issue had already prompted a move up a division to bantamweight. Yet, the difficulties in meeting the contracted weight persist.
His repeated failures raise questions about his weight-cutting strategy and its potential impact on his career trajectory. Missing weight three times is a significant red flag in the UFC. It affects not only his professional standing but also his earnings and future opportunities. For Estevam, this incident means forfeiting a portion of his purse to his opponent, Ethyn Ewing. Their fight will proceed as a catchweight bout.
Additional Fighters Face Penalties for Missed Weight
Rafael Estevam was not the only fighter to struggle on the scales at UFC Vegas 115. The weigh-in session became notably “messy” toward the end. Three of the last four fighters to weigh in failed to hit their targets. Darrius Flowers also came in heavy for his lightweight contest. Flowers weighed 156.5 pounds, half a pound over the 156-pound limit. Like Estevam, his bout against Lando Vannata will proceed as a catchweight. Flowers will forfeit 20 percent of his fight purse as a penalty. These financial repercussions are standard procedure for fighters who miss their contracted weight.
Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev initially missed weight for his light heavyweight fight as well. He first registered 207 pounds, exceeding the 206-pound limit for his bout against Brendson Ribeiro. However, Yakhyaev was granted a second attempt to make weight. He successfully returned to the scales, hitting exactly 206 pounds. This allowed his fight to proceed as scheduled without any penalty or catchweight adjustment. His ability to make the adjustment highlights the fine margins in professional weight cutting.
The Impact of Missed Weights in MMA
Missing weight carries significant consequences beyond just monetary fines. It can affect a fighter’s reputation, their standing with the promotion, and potentially their health. Repeated failures to make weight can lead to forced changes in weight class or even release from a contract. For opponents, it can mean a last-minute adjustment to their fight strategy. They might face a physically larger opponent on fight night. It also affects the perception of fairness and professionalism. The UFC’s strict policies, including purse forfeitures and catchweight adjustments, aim to maintain competitive balance. They also encourage fighters to approach weight cutting responsibly.
This event, while lacking some of the “star power” of other recent cards, provides crucial matchups. It serves as a reminder of the foundational challenges in the sport. The weigh-ins are a critical first hurdle. How fighters manage this aspect can often be as telling as their performance inside the octagon.
Complete UFC Vegas 115 Official Weigh-in Results
Here are the full results from the official UFC Vegas 115 weigh-ins:
Main Card (Paramount+ at 8 p.m. ET)
Renato Moicano (156) vs. Chris Duncan (156) – Lightweight Bout
Virna Jandiroba (116) vs. Tabatha Ricci (115.5) – Women’s Strawweight Bout
Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev (206) vs. Brendson Ribeiro (205) – Light Heavyweight Bout (Yakhyaev initially missed, made weight on second attempt)
Ethyn Ewing (135.5) vs. Rafael Estevam (136.5) – Bantamweight Bout (Estevam missed weight, 20% purse forfeited, catchweight)
Tommy McMillen (145.5) vs. Manolo Zecchini (145) – Featherweight Bout
Jose Delano (144.5) vs. Robert Ruchala (146) – Featherweight Bout
Preliminary Card (Paramount+ at 5 p.m. ET)
Guilherme Pat (250.5) vs. Thomas Petersen (251) – Heavyweight Bout
Alessandro Costa (125.5) vs. Stewart Nicoll (126) – Flyweight Bout
Lando Vannata (156) vs. Darrius Flowers (156.5) – Lightweight Bout (Flowers missed weight, 20% purse forfeited, catchweight)
Alice Pereira (136) vs. Hailey Cowan (136) – Women’s Bantamweight Bout
Azamat Bekoev (186) vs. Tresean Gore (185.5) – Middleweight Bout
Dione Barbosa (126) vs. Melissa Gatto (125.5) – Women’s Flyweight Bout
Kai Kamaka III (155) vs. Dakota Hope (155) – Lightweight Bout*
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Rafael Estevam miss weight for UFC Vegas 115?
Rafael Estevam weighed in at 136.5 pounds for his bantamweight bout, which is half a pound over the 136-pound limit for non-title fights. This marked his third career weigh-in miss in the UFC. He previously missed weight twice while competing in the flyweight division, even after moving up to bantamweight. His persistent issues suggest ongoing difficulties with his weight-cutting process. As a result, his fight against Ethyn Ewing will proceed as a catchweight bout, and Estevam will forfeit 20 percent of his fight purse as a penalty.
How do missed weights impact fighter purses and future bouts?
When a fighter misses weight in the UFC, they typically face significant financial penalties. The standard is forfeiting 20% of their fight purse to their opponent, as seen with Rafael Estevam and Darrius Flowers at UFC Vegas 115. Their bouts are then reclassified as catchweight contests. Repeated missed weights can have more severe career implications. These include forced changes in weight class, a damaged reputation, reduced future fight opportunities, or even potential release from the promotion. It signals a lack of professionalism and can create an unfair advantage.
Where can I watch the full UFC Vegas 115 fight card?
The entire UFC Vegas 115 fight card, including both the main and preliminary cards, will be broadcast exclusively in the United States on Paramount+. The preliminary card is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. ET (2 p.m. PT). The main card will follow, kicking off at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT). Viewers can tune in to catch all the action, including the main event between Renato Moicano and Chris Duncan, as well as the catchweight bouts resulting from the weigh-in drama.
Conclusion: Setting the Stage for Fight Night
The UFC Vegas 115 weigh-in results provided a mix of professional execution and significant drama. While headline fighters Renato Moicano and Chris Duncan, along with co-main event participants Virna Jandiroba and Tabatha Ricci, made weight without issue, the struggles of Rafael Estevam and Darrius Flowers cast a shadow over the event. Estevam’s third weigh-in miss, in particular, highlights the intense pressures and challenges fighters face outside the octagon.
Despite these issues, all 13 scheduled fights are set to proceed, albeit with some adjustments and penalties. Fans can expect an action-packed night at the Meta Apex, as fighters look to capitalize on their preparations. The weigh-ins served as a crucial prelude, confirming the lineup and adding layers of intrigue to the impending clashes.
