Hong Kong’s Sasha Palatnikov Signs With UFC, Faces Louis Cosce at UFC 255

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Incredibly happy to announce that I have signed a multi-fight contract with the @ufc!!! I am beyond excited for this opportunity and cannot wait to be the first Hong Kong representative to fly the flag in that cage! ——————————————— None of this would be possible without the guidance from @bigwoodmma702 @syndicatemma my management team @rubyse @dannyrube for making this all happen! @primetimeperformance1 has brought so much to my game & I can’t wait for what the future holds love you guys!Everyone that has helped me through this journey my teammates and training partners all over the world I appreciate you! ———————————————————————————My fiancé @mauvkla for being my push day in & day out helping me stay accountable everyday. I love you so much mon coeur ———————————————— #ufc #contract #secured #letsgo #goals #wecoming #ruby #rubyse #mma #fighter #life #fight #fightnight #athlete #sponsored #timetowork #ko #comingsoon #enjoythejourney #followmyjourney #travel #lasvegas #hongkong #usa #korean #announcement #debut #blessed #excited #oss

A post shared by Sasha Palatnikov (@sashapalatnikovmma) on Nov 4, 2020 at 8:21pm PST

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For the first time in Ultimate Fighting Championship history, the promotion has signed a fighter from Hong Kong.

On Friday, MMA DNA reported that Sasha Palatnikov (5-2) has signed with the UFC to meet fellow newcomer Louis Cosce (7-0) at UFC 255. The two welterweights will lock horns at the UFC Apex on Nov. 21. Cosce has since confirmed his appearance on the card on his Instagram page. He will be competing alongside his brother Orion Cosce, when the latter takes on Nicolas Dalby also at welterweight.

Cosce earned a contract on Dana White's Contender Series when he flattened Victor Reyna in 72 seconds in August. Throughout his relatively young pro career that also saw him win by knockout in 18 seconds at a Combate Americas card in 2019, Cosce has finished all of his opponents in the opening round. Both he and his brother are a perfect 7-0 as pros, although Orion has needed to go into the third round on three separate occasions to beat his foes.

Palatnikov comes into the promotion having scorched Paulo Henrique at an Abu Dhabi Warriors Fighting Championship event in September. His win in 83 seconds bounced him back from a loss to current UFC fighter Mounir Lazzez. The Hong Kong-based fighter previously won a title in the Angel’s Fighting Championship organization at middleweight, and he has alternated between 170 and 185 pounds for his last few bouts. Palatnikov announced his signing on Thursday, writing on his Instagram that he signed a multi-fight deal with the UFC.

UFC 255 will go down on Nov. 21 at the UFC Apex, and a pair of flyweight championship affairs headline the card. The top-billed fight sees Deiveson Figueiredo defend his throne against Alex Perez, while Valentina Shevchenko looks to keep a tight grip on her crown against Jennifer Maia. The top-billed non-title fight is a light heavyweight rematch between former champ Mauricio Rua and “Bearjew” Paul Craig.