Austin Vanderford signs with UFC, fights Saturday

As the old saying goes “If you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready” and atleast in the appearance of Austin Vanderford that appears to be true.  Vanderford will be stepping in on short notice to fight Nikolay Veretnnikov on this Saturday’s card in Seattle Washington. Vanderford as on season 2 of the Dana White contender Series and got a win, however was not awarded a contract.

Following the DWCS Vanderford went and signed with Bellator MMA where he competed against MMA Legend Gegard Mousasi in 2022 losing a Championship fight via TKO.  Vanderford is the husband of former UFC star, Powerslap and BKFC competitor Paige VanZant.

Veretennikov was a former Contender series com[itotr who was signed to the promotion and lost to another contender product Danny Barlow in his deut.  The bout will take place at 175 which is a catchweight.  Vanderford went 5-2 in Bellator MMA before losing to Aaron Jeffery in 2022.   Vanderford last appeared in the cage at LFA 194 where he defeated Victor Romero by 1st round TKO.