Jeka Asparido Saragih to Face Lucas Alexander at UFC Fight Night 232

J.Butler out. Lucas Alexander in, will fight Jeka Saragih at #UFCVegas82 on November 18th. #UFC #MMA #UFCESPN #UFC2023 pic.twitter.com/J5Mr06VTw6

— Marcel Dorff 🇳🇱🇮🇩 (@BigMarcel24) November 1, 2023

Indonesian standout Jeka Asparido Saragih will debut in the Ultimate Fighting Championship on Nov. 18.

Saragih (13-3) was originally scheduled to make his promotional debut at UFC Fight Night 232 against lightweight newcomer Jesse Butler (12-5), who was coming off a first-round knockout loss to Jim Miller in his first Octagon appearance back in June. However, the promotion announced last week that Saragih was in need of a new opponent after Butler was forced to pull out due to an injury.

While there were brief talks of a clash between Saragih and Charlie Campbell, that potential matchup also fell through. However, the Indonesian has finally found himself an opponent two weeks ahead of his scheduled debut.

Saragih will take on Brazilian newcomer Lucas Alexander (8-3) in a featherweight clash on the UFC Fight Night 232 prelims card. The booking was reported by Dutch MMA journalist Marcel Dorff and confirmed by the UFC.

As per Indonesian outlet VOI, Saragih has reportedly earned a five-fight UFC contract despite losing to India’s Anshul Jubli in the finals of “Road to UFC” in February. However, it is worth noting that Saragih scored back-to-back knockouts to earn himself a spot in the finals of the tournament, which is the UFC’s latest venture to scout Asian talent. Additionally, the 28-year-old was on a three-fight win streak prior to entering “Road to UFC.”

Meanwhile, Alexander made his promotional debut last October where he was made quick work of by fellow Brazilian Joanderson Brito via rear-naked choke. However, “The Lion” returned to the win column with a decision win over Steven Peterson earlier this year.