Keep your eyes on this Welterweight prospect …
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to “Sin City” this weekend (Sat., Feb. 7, 2026) for its first Paramount+ “Fight Night”-themed event, UFC Vegas 113, which goes down inside Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. In the main event, two ranked Bantamweights collide as Mario Bautista (No. 9) takes on Vinicius Oliveira (No. 11).
Checkout UFC Vegas 113’s full card here.
While the lineup is filled with intriguing matchups and rising talent, there is one prospect in particular you absolutely cannot afford to ignore.
The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) Season 33 winner, Daniil Donchenko, makes his official Octagon debut this weekend after winning the reality show back in Sept. 2025 with a devastating first round knockout of Rodrigo Sezinando (watch highlights).
And if you’re a fan of violent, unpredictable, edge-of-your-seat fighters — Donchenko is your guy.
The 24-year-old Ukrainian is already drawing comparisons to former UFC Light Heavyweight roost-ruler, Jiri Prochazka. While Prochazka is very much a one-of-one, the comparison actually isn’t far-fetched. Donchenko is a madman in the cage — forward-moving, fearless and relying heavily on instinct and chaos, complete with no head movement.
Donchenko is undeniably raw, but the upside is obvious. He operates at one speed — full throttle. He’s explosive, carries real knockout power and has the athleticism to make mistakes without immediately paying for them. While his grappling game isn’t polished, he prefers to sprawl-and-brawl anyway, and his physical gifts often allow him to scramble out of danger.
Adding to his intrigue, Donchenko has relocated to Las Vegas and now trains at Syndicate MMA, one of the premier gyms in the nation — home to fighters like Merab Dvalishvili and Khalil Rountree. That level of coaching and room full of elite talent should only accelerate his development.
At UFC Vegas 113, Donchenko draws long-time Octagon veteran, Alex Morono, in the Featured “Prelims” match … and it’s featured for a reason. Donchenko is a massive betting favorite (-625) and has a chance to make a serious statement by running through a durable, experienced opponent.
That said, Morono is no pushover. Despite riding a three-fight losing streak, he’s a savvy fighter with a deep resume and the ability to drag prospects into uncomfortable waters.
Still, all signs point to Donchenko adding another highlight-reel finish to his growing collection — and announcing himself as a prospect to watch at 170 pounds.
