Richard Dean
Updated on: October 17, 2024 11:01 am GMT
Three fighters at the UFC Vegas 98 weigh-in failed to make weight, leaving their upcoming matches in a delicate situation. Dan Argueta, Josh Fremd, and Jared Gooden all came in overweight, which has implications for their bouts scheduled for UFC Fight Night 244.
Weight Misses and Catchweight Bouts
During the official weigh-ins, Argueta tipped the scales at 138.5 pounds, coming in 2.5 pounds over the limit for his fight against Cody Haddon. Josh Fremd weighed 186 pounds, missing the middleweight limit by 3 pounds in his match against Abdul Razak Alhassan. Jared Gooden also struggled on the scale, registering at 172.5 pounds, just 1.5 pounds over the welterweight limit against Chidi Njokuani.
While all three bouts will proceed, they will now be contested at catchweight. This means some adjustments for the fighters:
- Fremd will forfeit 30 percent of his purse.
- Both Argueta and Gooden will each forfeit 20 percent of their purses.
Failed weigh-ins can create a negative reputation, especially for fighters like Fremd and Gooden who have had difficulty with the scale before. This experience will weigh heavy as they enter the octagon, with both fighters looking to turn the tide.
Past Weight Issues
Fremd’s situation is particularly concerning. This marks the second time he has weighed in three pounds over the limit. Previously, he came in at 189 pounds back in August 2023, still managing a win against Jamie Pickett. Gooden is experiencing a pattern of weight misses as this marks his third failed attempt in the UFC, having missed weight by 6 pounds in a fight earlier this year. His record now stands at 0-2 after failing to hit the scales correctly.
Highlight Matchup: Brandon Royval vs. Tatsuro Taira
On a brighter note, the main event of UFC Vegas 98 showcases a thrilling clash between Brandon Royval and Tatsuro Taira. Both fighters successfully made weight, each coming in at 125.5 pounds. This matchup has considerable stakes, with Royval positioned at No. 2 in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings and Taira at No. 8. The winner could potentially move closer to challenging current flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja.
A Look at the Fighters
Brandon Royval boasts an impressive background:
- He holds multiple accolades including a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt.
- His fighting style is characterized by 4 KO victories and 9 submission wins, showcasing his diverse skill set.
- Known for his aggressive pace, Royval employs active feints and footwork, making him a dangerous opponent standing up or on the ground.
Tatsuro Taira, on the other hand, enters this event undefeated. His commitment to wrestling and submission techniques might pose a significant challenge for Royval, who thrives in scrambles. As both fighters make last-minute preparations, fans anticipate a gripping contest with broad implications for the flyweight division.
Complete Weigh-in Results
Here’s a quick look at the official weigh-in results for UFC Vegas 98:
Main Card (ESPN+ at 7 p.m. ET)
- Brandon Royval (125.5) vs. Tatsuro Taira (125.5)
- Brad Tavares (185) vs. Jun Yong Park (185.5)
- Chidi Njokuani (170.5) vs. Jared Gooden (172.5)
- Grant Dawson (156) vs. Rafa Garcia (154.5)
- Daniel Rodriguez (170) vs. Alex Morono (170.5)
- Abdul Razak Alhassan (186) vs. Josh Fremd (189)
Preliminary Card (ESPN+ at 4 p.m. ET)
- CJ Vergara (126) vs. Ramazan Temirov (125.5)
- Jonathan Pearce (145) vs. Pat Sabatini (145)
- Themba Gorimbo (170.5) vs. Niko Price (170.5)
- Julia Polastri (115) vs. Cory McKenna (115)
- Junior Tafa (241) vs. Sean Sharaf (252)
- Dan Argueta (138.5) vs. Cody Haddon (135)
- Clayton Carpenter (125.5) vs. Lucas Rocha (125.5)
Gooden missed weight; bout proceeds at catchweight.
Fremd missed weight; bout proceeds at catchweight.
Argueta missed weight; bout proceeds at catchweight.
Looking Ahead
As UFC Vegas 98 approaches, the fighters are preparing for their pivotal matches. The missed weights add an extra layer of drama to the event. The anticipation surrounding Royval versus Taira continues to grow, with both fighters eager to capitalize on this opportunity for a title shot.
Fans are in for a thrilling night of fights as the athletes show off their skills in the octagon. We’ll have to wait and see who comes out on top at UFC Fight Night 244, but one thing is for sure: everyone will be paying close attention to every weight class!
