On October 5, 2024, Argentine fighter Kevin “Chino” Vallejos fulfilled the dream of his life: signing a UFC contract. This monumental achievement came after his resounding victory in Dana White’s Contender Series, where he showed his talent and determination. The fighter from Mar del Plata, who talked to Marca Deportiva Radio about this milestone, is already positioned as one of the great promises of the UFC. Mixed Martial Arts(MMA) in South America.
A Dream Come True
“I am aware of what I have achieved” Vallejos stated in the interview, acknowledging the magnitude of his victory in an event crucial to his future in MMA. The competition in the Contender Series is fierce, and fighters know that every fight can determine their fate in the UFC. With this victory, Vallejos took the definitive step to launch himself onto the world stage: “It’s a dream, it’s as high as we can go in MMA, and we proved that we can get there”.
The Career of Kevin Vallejos
At 22, Vallejos has built a solid career with a record of 14 wins and only one loss. Fighting in the featherweight division (66 kg), he has captured the attention of fans and pundits for his explosive style and ability to finish fights, with 10 of his victories coming by KO/TKO.
His path to stardom began almost by chance when, at the age of 16, he was 16 years oldhe joined an MMA gym without knowing exactly what it was all about. What began as a simple interest in training close to home quickly turned into a passion:
“I adapted quickly, I liked the contact sport and the physical part,” Vallejos recalled.
With only four months of training, he was already participating in his first amateur competition, which he won. From there, the Mar del Plata native chained 14 amateur fights before making the leap to professionalism. Although the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted his rise, Vallejos remained focused. Resuming training, he managed to build an impressive streak of 11 consecutive victories that took him to the international stage.
A Dedicated MMA Lifestyle
For Vallejos, MMA is not just a sport, but a lifestyle that has shaped him as a person: “It’s very difficult to explain it because one has to live it. It’s not just two people fighting in a cage; there’s a lot behind it all,” he explained.he explained. The fighter highlighted the importance of companionship and the rigor of training in his growth, both inside and outside the octagon.
“Mixed Martial Arts makes you a better person, calmer. Even though you know how to fight, it makes you a much calmer person.”he added. The sport has been a constant source of learning and development for Vallejos, who now represents Argentina in the world’s most prestigious MMA organization.
The Road to the UFC
On September 24, 2024, Kevin Vallejos stepped into the octagon at UFC Apex in Las Vegas to face Cam Teague at Dana White’s Contender Series 73. Vallejos wasted no time in proving why he deserved to be in UFC. At 2 Minutes y 33 Seconds of the first round, the Argentinean took the victory by TKO after a devastating attack of punches that left Teague with no response.
This was Vallejos’ second appearance in the Contender Series. In 2023, he had suffered a unanimous decision loss to Jean Silva, who has been establishing himself as a contender in UFC. However, Vallejos didn’t let that loss stop him. He came back stronger, with back-to-back victories that secured him another shot at the show, and this time, he left no doubt.
What’s Next for “El Chino”.
Now, with his UFC contract secured, the future is bright for Kevin Vallejos. With a dynamic fighting style and a relentless mentality, he has the potential to become a name to watch in the featherweight division. His story of perseverance and determination is a testament to what can be accomplished in the world of MMA when you combine talent with hard work.
Vallejos represents a new generation of South American fighters who are making waves on the international scene. As he prepares for his official UFC debut, the MMA community in Argentina and throughout South America is anxiously awaiting to see how far this young fighter can go.
Conclusion
Kevin Vallejos has fulfilled his dream of making it to the UFC, an accomplishment that not only reflects his skill as a fighter, but also his dedication and passion for MMA. At only 22 years old, “El Chino“has all the potential to make a mark in the sport, and his victory in Dana White’s Contender Series is just the beginning. Keep up with his career and upcoming fights at Fajador.co, your source for Latin American MMA news.
This young man from Mar del Plata is, without a doubt, one of the names to follow in the new generation of South American talents who are ready to conquer the world of MMA.
