Felipe Franco suffered a blowout loss on the evening he made his UFC debut in March, however the expertise improved him “1,000 p.c” as a fighter and he was capable of search for his first Octagon win towards Levi Rodriguez Jr. on Saturday evening at UFC Oklahoma Metropolis.
Franco stepped up from his authentic weight class to heavyweight after approaching as a short-notice substitute towards undefeated knockout artist Mario Pinto at UFC London. He was 2-0 within the UFC with two knockouts and was not anticipated to final this lengthy within the cage. Though Franco misplaced by choice, his efficiency was thought of spectacular.
“Lots of people doubted me,” Franco informed MMA Preventing. “I used to be the largest underdog on this card. It isn’t straightforward to show a striker who’s been tearing everybody down right into a grappler, however we have been engaged on it day by day. Anybody who steps into the Octagon with me goes to be in bother.”
That evening, Pinto tried 14 takedowns, essentially the most in his UFC and DWCS profession.
“Getting into the UFC Octagon for the primary time was a magical expertise,” Franco stated. “It was an incredible factor, a as soon as in a lifetime second. And to go up towards a man who completed the battle with a number of knockouts within the UFC, with all of the hype round him, and to go three rounds and notice that I had the potential and actually made it to the U.S. I confirmed that I deserved it. It was very particular. Despite the fact that I did not win, I acquired a number of reward. I took that flatter and used it as motivation to maintain working. And now I am prepared for the second time.” It is a UFC battle. ”
Franco has accomplished a full camp with Rodriguez Jr. and guarantees a greater efficiency in Oklahoma Metropolis, this time at mild heavyweight.
“I felt lighter heading into the primary battle towards Mario Pinto, not solely as a result of all of the stress was on him, but in addition as a result of I used to be glad,” Franco stated. “So long as I am glad to be within the UFC and do what I really like, I am at all times going to battle freely, and this battle isn’t any totally different. I have been coaching onerous for the final two months to ensure I am fully prepared. I do not really feel any stress in any respect. I am going to enter the battle relaxed and glad. It is nice to be within the UFC. All I’ve to do is go on the market and present every little thing I have been engaged on.”
Rodriguez Jr. will make his UFC debut after a prolonged layoff and suspension for failing a drug check. Dana White’s Contender Sequence Deliberate to win in October 2025, Franco believes that “being energetic makes an enormous distinction.”
“He hasn’t performed in any respect this 12 months due to doping points,” Franco stated. “I do not know the way he took the information or if he was irritated, however the truth that I stayed energetic offers me confidence. I imagine that may very well be the difference-maker after we step into the Octagon.”
Franco has recorded all of his MMA wins by stoppage, six knockouts, and 4 submissions, and his versatility makes it onerous to foretell how he’ll get the job achieved towards Rodriguez Jr.
“Since I began coaching for MMA, my objective has at all times been to turn into essentially the most well-rounded fighter doable,” Franco stated. “I come from a Jiu-Jitsu background, however since day one I’ve labored to enhance my boxing, Muay Thai and wrestling. I now think about myself an entire blended martial artist, so I do not care how the battle ends. I solely have one path to victory. I am not centered on successful by knockout, successful by submission, or combating good in strategic three-round fights. I am assured in all areas of my recreation and might dance to no matter music is taking part in.”
