From UFC · · 1m 10s
Cody Chovancek’s UFC Debut
Canadian bantamweight Cody Chovancek prepares for UFC debut against veteran SooYoung You in Edmonton.
In brief
Canadian bantamweight Cody Chovancek prepares for UFC debut against veteran SooYoung You in Edmonton. Cody Chovancek, a 28-year-old Canadian bantamweight with a 9-0 record, faces SooYoung You, a 20-fight veteran, in his UFC debut at UFC Edmonton on October 17, 2026. Originally reported by UFC.
Cody Chovancek’s Dream Debut
Cody Chovancek, a 28-year-old Canadian bantamweight, prepares for his UFC debut in Edmonton.
“It’s a dream; I’ve been thinking about this moment for 11 years, putting in the blood, sweat, and tears, chipping away at it.”
Injury Recovery
Chovancek recovered from a knee injury sustained during his Dana White’s Contender Series win over Raphael Uchegbu.
“I injured myself five weeks before that fight on Contender Series.”
Training Team
Chovancek trains with Mike Malott and Jasmine Jasudavicius at Niagara Top Team in Canada.
“Mike has been great for that sort of thing, to talk to and get those little mentorships.”
Canadian Energy
Chovancek feels the strong Canadian fan support and the Oilers’ home atmosphere in Edmonton.
“To debut here in front of Canadian fans, feel that good old Canadian energy and be doing it where the Oilers play is so sick.”
Opponent Profile
Chovancek faces SooYoung You, a 20-fight veteran who won the Road to UFC bantamweight tournament.
“He’s experienced, he’s got 11 more pro fights than me, but that just makes me wanna go out there and prove how good we are in Canada.”
Confidence
Chovancek believes his striking and grappling skills will overcome SooYoung You’s experience.
“I’m very confident on the feet. I think I’m gonna have a huge striking advantage.”
Debut Stakes
Chovancek’s UFC debut carries a $100,000 bonus and a potential life-changing opportunity.
“A hundred thousand dollars; a $100k bonus.”
Dream Realization
Chovancek aims to turn his 11-year dream into reality with a UFC victory.
“It would mean the world to me, man. The years of sacrifice grinding all the way up to make this happen, it’s gonna be a dream come true, for sure.”
Event Details
UFC Edmonton takes place on October 17, 2026, at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Canada.
“Don't miss a moment of UFC Fight Night: Buckley vs Malott, live from Rogers Place in Edmonton, Canada on October 17, 2026.”
The takeaway
Cody Chovancek, a 28-year-old Canadian bantamweight with a 9-0 record, faces SooYoung You, a 20-fight veteran, in his UFC debut at UFC Edmonton on October 17, 2026.
