UFC lightweight fighter Jordan Leavitt is scheduled to compete at UFC Fight Night 118 [1] in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The bout leverages Leavitt's viral persona to drive viewership for the event. By highlighting the contrast between Leavitt's eccentric style and the mysterious aura of his opponent, the promotion aims to maximize fan engagement ahead of the fight.

Leavitt, who has earned the nickname “Twerk King” for his signature celebrations, is a central figure in the promotion's marketing for the event [2]. The UFC said fans should beware of his opponent, who carries the moniker “The Monkey King” [1].

The event is slated for July 13, 2025 [1]. It will take place at the T-Mobile Arena, a venue with an approximate capacity of 20,000 seats [1].

There is conflicting information regarding the identity of Leavitt's opponent. The UFC identifies the fighter as Muhammad Bonfim [1], while TotalProSports lists the opponent as Joanderson Brito [2]. The promotion continues to use the “Monkey King” nickname to build intrigue regardless of the specific athlete facing Leavitt.

Leavitt's presence in the Octagon often transcends the sport's technical aspects due to his social media popularity [2]. The UFC is utilizing this visibility to ensure the Las Vegas card attracts a broad audience beyond traditional mixed martial arts enthusiasts.

“Jordan Leavitt, who has earned the nickname “Twerk King” for his signature celebrations”

The promotion of this fight reflects a broader UFC strategy of prioritizing 'character-driven' matchups to capture casual audiences. By emphasizing nicknames and viral celebrations over traditional rankings, the organization treats the event as both a sporting contest and a piece of entertainment spectacle to fill high-capacity venues like the T-Mobile Arena.