Two fights added to UFC 308 fight card

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Ilia Topuria | Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

With a new champion, the bantamweight division continues to move with a pair of thrilling matchups added to UFC 308.

The UFC announced Wednesday that Farid Basharat vs. Victor Hugo and Said Nurmagomedov vs. Daniel Santos have been added to the upcoming Oct. 26 pay-per-view.

Basharat (12-0) and brother Javid have both made an impact since being signed off of Dana White's Contender Series. The younger Basharat is 3-0 inside the octagon, with wins over Taylor Lapilus, Kleydson Rodrigues, and Da'Mon Blackshear.

He faces his stiffest test yet in the experienced Victor Hugo. Though Brazil's Hugo only recently made his debut with a decision nod over Pedro Falcao, he had an extensive pro record prior to the UFC, with 25 wins in 29 pro bouts. Seventeen of those wins came by way of knockout or submission.

Said Nurmagomedov (18-3) has been a sleeper contender at 135 pounds, but his run to the top has been stifled by a pair of fight withdrawals. He has a chance to get back in the conversation when he fights Santos (11-2), who has rattled off back-to-back wins after dropping a decision to Julio Arce in his debut in April 2022.

UFC 308 takes place at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi and airs exclusively on ESPN+ pay-per-view. The event is headlined by Ilia Topuria defending his featherweight title against "BMF" champion Max Holloway.