On October 5, 2024, Argentinian fighter Kevin “Chino” Vallejos fulfilled the dream of his life: signing a contract with the UFC. This monumental achievement came after his decisive victory in Dana White’s Contender Series, where he showcased his talent and determination. The fighter from Mar del Plata, who spoke with Marca Deportiva Radio about this milestone, is already positioning himself as one of the great promises in South American Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).
A Dream Come True
“I am aware of what I have achieved,” Vallejos said in the interview, recognizing the magnitude of his victory in an event that was crucial for his future in MMA. Competition in the Contender Series is fierce, and fighters know that every fight can determine their fate in the UFC. With this win, Vallejos took the definitive step to launch himself onto the global stage: “It’s a dream, it’s the highest we can reach in MMA, and we showed it’s possible.”
Kevin Vallejos’ Journey
At 22 years old, Vallejos has built a solid career with 14 wins and only one loss. Fighting in the featherweight division (66 kg), he has captured the attention of fans and experts for his explosive style and his ability to finish fights, with 10 of his victories coming by KO/TKO.
His path to stardom began almost by chance when, at 16, he signed up for an MMA gym without fully knowing what it was. What started as a simple interest in training close to his home quickly turned into a passion:
“I adapted quickly. I liked the contact sport and the physical aspect,” Vallejos recalled.
After just four months of training, he was competing in his first amateur bout, which he won. From there, the fighter from Mar del Plata strung together 14 Amateur fights before making the leap to professionalism. Although the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily stalled his rise, Vallejos remained focused. Once training resumed, he managed to build an impressive streak of 11 consecutive wins that led him to the international stage.
A Lifestyle Dedicated to MMA
For Vallejos, MMA is not just a sport but a way of life that has shaped him as a person: “It’s very difficult to explain because you really have to live it. It’s not just two people fighting in a cage; there’s so much behind all of that,” he explained. The fighter highlighted the importance of camaraderie and the rigorous training in his growth, both inside and outside the octagon.
“MMA makes you a better person, calmer. Even though you know how to fight, it turns you into a much more composed individual,” he added. This sport has been a constant source of learning and development for Vallejos, who now represents Argentina in the most prestigious MMA organization in the world.
The Road to the UFC
On September 24, 2024, Kevin Vallejos stepped into the UFC Apex Octagon in Las Vegas to face Cam Teague at Dana White’s Contender Series 73. Vallejos wasted no time proving why he deserved a UFC contract. Just 2 Minutes and 33 Seconds into the first round, the Argentine secured a TKO victory after an overwhelming barrage of punches that left Teague defenseless.
This was Vallejos’ second appearance on the Contender Series. In 2023, he suffered a unanimous decision loss to Jean Silva, who has since emerged as a potential future contender in the UFC. However, Vallejos didn’t let that defeat stop him. He came back stronger, with consecutive wins that earned him another shot on the show, and this time, there were no doubts.
What’s Next for “El Chino”
Now, with his UFC contract secured, the future looks bright for Kevin Vallejos. With a dynamic fighting style and an unyielding mindset, he has the potential to become a fighter to watch in the featherweight division. His story of perseverance and determination is a testament to what can be achieved in MMA when talent is paired with hard work.
Vallejos represents a new generation of South American fighters making waves on the international scene. As he prepares for his official UFC debut, the MMA community in Argentina and throughout South America eagerly awaits to see how far this young fighter can go.
Conclusion
Kevin Vallejos has fulfilled his dream of reaching the UFC, an accomplishment that not only reflects his skills as a fighter but also his dedication and passion for MMA. At just 22 years old, “El Chino” has the potential to make a lasting impact in the sport, and his victory at Dana White’s Contender Series is just the beginning. Stay tuned to Fajador.co, your source for MMA news in Latin America, for updates on his career and upcoming fights.
This young fighter from Mar del Plata is undoubtedly one of the names to watch in the next generation of South American talent, ready to take on the world of MMA.
