Mark Vologdin will compete on Dana White’s Contender Series at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, moving from AFN champion to a UFC audition. The promotion will announce the specific episode and opponent.

On 14 June 2025 at Allstars Fight Night 10: Stockholm, Vologdin submitted Francisco “Cleiton” Monteiro with an arm-triangle at 4:05 of the first round. After the win he said, “I know Sean Shelby is watching the fight. I deserve to be in the UFC.”

Vologdin trains at Allstars Training Center in Stockholm and holds the Allstars Fight Night bantamweight title at 61.2 kg. He enters Contender Series at 12–3–1, with six wins by knockout and four by submission, and he is unbeaten since 2021.

His recent run includes a first-round TKO of Renan Baptista at AFN 8 on 19 October 2024. The Contender Series slot is the next test, with a UFC contract possible if he impresses.

AFN CEO Mohammad Babadivand welcomed the step. “From the first day Mark stepped into the AFN cage, we knew we were looking at a special fighter. Over time, he became one of our longest-reigning champions, facing tough opponents and showing the composure of a true professional. Seeing him now take the leap to Dana White’s Contender Series fills me with pride, not just as the CEO of AFN, but as someone who cares deeply about developing Swedish MMA talent. This moment shows young fighters in our gyms that a path to the UFC can start right here at home".