This coming weekend, August 15–16, 2025, fight fans are in for a rare double dose of combat sports action featuring some of the most recognizable UFC veterans in the game. From the bright lights of the Octagon to the gritty spectacle of bareknuckle boxing, these fighters are proving that age, mileage, and a change of promotion can’t keep them out of the spotlight. Whether they’re stepping into a cage in Moscow, walking out to the sold-out crowd at UFC 319 in Chicago, or signing fresh contracts with the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), these seasoned athletes are still chasing glory, paychecks, and legacy.
The appeal of UFC veterans competing in various combat sports goes beyond nostalgia. It’s about watching fighters who have been through wars, who’ve adapted to different opponents and promotions, and who carry a depth of experience that makes every fight a story worth following. This weekend showcases that narrative on multiple stages and each matchup has its own stakes, history, and potential fireworks.
UFC Veterans in Action Aug. 15–16
This mid-August fight stretch offers an unusually packed schedule for MMA and combat sports fans. On Friday, August 15, ACA 190 took place in Moscow, headlined by two key matchups featuring UFC alumni. Timur Valiev, the sharp-striking bantamweight who made his UFC debut in 2020 and built a reputation for his technical precision, returns to his old stomping grounds to face David Dzhibilov. In the co-main event spotlight, welterweight contender Mike Graves, another UFC veteran with a strong wrestling base and grinding style takes on Russia’s Alexey Makhno in a high-stakes clash that could determine the next title challenger.
The very next day, the focus shifts to Chicago, where UFC 319 takes over the United Center. Michael “Venom” Page, one of the most creative and unorthodox strikers to ever enter the sport, faces Jared Cannonier, a dangerous former middleweight title challenger. Sharing the card are other familiar names like Tim Elliott, the gritty flyweight veteran known for his pace and unpredictability, and Aaron Pico, the once-hyped prospect now making good on his potential. UFC 319 isn’t just a card, it’s a convergence of old and new, with veterans standing alongside rising contenders.
Meanwhile, in the background of these MMA showdowns, bareknuckle boxing continues to attract UFC talent. Yoel Romero, the Cuban powerhouse and Olympic silver medalist wrestler, recently signed with BKFC, signaling his intention to compete in a sport that strips away the gloves and rewards precision, toughness, and controlled chaos. Fellow UFC veteran Alessio Sakara, known for his heavy hands and brawling style, has already tasted victory in BKFC and is set for a cruiserweight title shot later this year. While Romero and Sakara aren’t fighting this weekend, their moves speak volumes about where the sport is headed and about the willingness of UFC veterans to test themselves in new arenas.
MMA Spotlight ACA 190 in Moscow
ACA (Absolute Championship Akhmat) has long been a destination for skilled fighters outside of the UFC, offering competitive matchups and a global roster. Timur Valiev, nicknamed “Lucky,” built part of his reputation here before entering the UFC, where he went toe-to-toe with elite competition in the bantamweight division. On August 15, he returns to face David Dzhibilov in a fight that’s more than just a homecoming, it’s a statement. Valiev’s style blends crisp boxing combinations, dynamic kicks, and relentless movement. Against Dzhibilov, who brings a more straightforward, power-based approach, Valiev will need to rely on his experience, cardio, and tactical versatility.
The co-main event brings Mike Graves back into the international spotlight. Graves, who compiled a strong record during his UFC stint, is known for his suffocating grappling and ability to dictate the pace of a fight. His opponent, Alexey Makhno, is no easy target; the Russian fighter boasts a wealth of regional experience and a knack for counter-attacking when pressured. This is a classic clash of styles: wrestling control versus opportunistic striking. For Graves, a win here could position him as a title contender in ACA; for Makhno, a victory over a UFC veteran could be career-defining.
While ACA events often fly under the radar for Western audiences, the level of talent on these cards especially when UFC veterans are involved makes them must-watch affairs for dedicated fans. It’s also a reminder that the MMA world is bigger than just the UFC, and that fighters can thrive, evolve, and even reinvent themselves on different stages.
UFC 319 Veterans Return to the Big Stage
On August 16, all eyes turn to Chicago’s United Center as UFC 319 unfolds. The marquee fight for veteran followers is Michael “Venom” Page vs. Jared Cannonier. Page, who spent the bulk of his career in Bellator before signing with the UFC, brings a unique skill set defined by karate-based movement, unorthodox angles, and highlight-reel knockouts. Cannonier, a former title challenger at middleweight, offers a contrasting style of heavy-handed boxing, low kicks, and a measured, powerful pace. For both men, this bout is about positioning: Page seeks to cement himself as a legitimate UFC contender, while Cannonier aims to prove he’s still a threat in the division’s upper echelon.
Beyond the headline matchup, UFC 319 features Tim Elliott, whose frenetic style and willingness to take risks have made him a fan favorite since his run on The Ultimate Fighter. Elliott’s presence on the card is another nod to the durability and adaptability of UFC veterans; he’s fought some of the best in the world, endured setbacks, and still finds ways to remain relevant in one of the UFC’s deepest divisions. Aaron Pico, once burdened by immense expectations, is now showcasing the well-rounded skill set that many predicted years ago, and his spot on the card alongside established veterans highlights the UFC’s ongoing mix of experience and fresh talent.
The card is a showcase of what makes UFC events so compelling: established names seeking one more run, hungry prospects trying to make their mark, and the unpredictable drama that unfolds when those paths cross.
Bareknuckle Boxing UFC Veterans Testing New Waters
While the weekend’s primary action belongs to MMA, bareknuckle boxing continues to pull from the UFC talent pool, and two recent developments stand out. Yoel Romero, one of the most physically gifted athletes to ever compete in MMA, has joined BKFC. Known for his explosive bursts, knockout power, and ability to end fights with a single shot, Romero’s move into bareknuckle competition is both intriguing and risky. Without gloves, his power becomes even more dangerous, but the defensive nuances of bareknuckle fighting will test his adaptability.
Alessio Sakara, another UFC veteran with a reputation for aggressive stand-up fighting, has already found success in the BKFC ring. His recent win set the stage for a cruiserweight title bout later in the year, and his performances so far suggest he’s well-suited to the sport’s brutal pace. BKFC’s willingness to feature ex-UFC fighters not only boosts its credibility but also gives fans an opportunity to see familiar faces in a completely different combat environment.
These moves are part of a broader trend in combat sports: fighters transitioning between disciplines later in their careers to extend their earning potential, re-ignite fan interest, and test themselves in new ways. For UFC veterans, bareknuckle boxing offers a stripped-down, high-intensity challenge, one that resonates with both old-school fight fans and newcomers seeking raw, unfiltered action.
Why This Weekend Matters
The convergence of UFC veterans across multiple promotions and combat formats this weekend underscores the sport’s evolving landscape. Experience remains a valuable currency in combat sports; fighters like Valiev, Graves, Page, and Cannonier bring with them years of preparation, adaptation, and in-fight problem-solving. That kind of experience often tips the scales in close matchups, and it certainly adds depth to any fight card.
From a promotional standpoint, having UFC veterans in headline or co-headline spots elevates the profile of events like ACA 190 and UFC 319. Fans are more likely to tune in when they recognize names, and that recognition also helps newer promotions or lesser-known fighters get more exposure. BKFC’s recruitment of veterans like Romero and Sakara is a textbook example of this strategy: use established names to draw attention, then let the product speak for itself.
For fans, the weekend offers a chance to see how these fighters have evolved. Will Valiev’s precision still hold up against aggressive challengers? Can Graves control the pace against a seasoned counter-striker? Will Michael Page’s creativity outmaneuver Cannonier’s power? And in bareknuckle boxing, will Romero and Sakara’s UFC pedigree translate into sustained success? These are the storylines that keep fans engaged and invested, and they’re the reason this weekend’s action is more than just another set of fight cards.
FAQs
Who is Timur Valiev fighting on August 15, 2025?
Timur Valiev is set to face David Dzhibilov in the bantamweight division at ACA 190 in Moscow. This fight marks Valiev’s return to the promotion where he made a name for himself before joining the UFC.
Has Michael Page fought in the UFC before?
Yes. Michael “Venom” Page made his UFC debut in 2024 after a long career in Bellator. He’s now facing Jared Cannonier at UFC 319, a matchup that could position him for a run at the middleweight title.
Are any UFC veterans fighting in bareknuckle boxing this weekend?
No UFC veterans are competing in BKFC matches this weekend, but Yoel Romero has recently signed with the promotion, and Alessio Sakara is scheduled for a cruiserweight title fight later this year.
Why are UFC veterans drawn to ACA and BKFC?
Promotions like ACA offer high-level competition and solid pay outside the UFC, while BKFC provides a new challenge and the chance to leverage striking skills in a raw, fan-friendly format.
What makes UFC veterans so appealing to fans?
Veterans bring proven skill sets, memorable fight histories, and a sense of authenticity. They’ve been tested against the best, and their fights carry built-in narratives that newer fighters haven’t yet developed.
Conclusion
August 15–16, 2025, is a showcase of what makes combat sports endlessly compelling: familiar faces in fresh matchups, high stakes across multiple promotions, and the unpredictable nature of fights when experience meets ambition. From Moscow to Chicago, and from the Octagon to the bareknuckle ring, UFC veterans continue to push boundaries and redefine what it means to have a fighting career after the UFC.
For fans, the takeaway is simple: don’t blink. The next great moment, highlight, or upset could come from any of these veterans, proving once again that in combat sports, the story never really ends when a fighter leaves the UFC.
