.png)
Veteran mixed martial artist Juan Archuleta, with an impressive record of 29-7, has enjoyed success across major MMA organizations, including Bellator, Rizin FF, and King of the Cage. However, he remains unfulfilled in one critical area: the UFC. Archuleta, now 37, is hoping to join the prestigious promotion as he eyes what may be his last major move in MMA.
Archuleta, who was recently released from Bellator following the promotion’s acquisition by the PFL, holds no resentment over the decision. He explained that his departure was amicable, noting,
“After I lost the New Year’s fight, Bellator had said, ‘Hey, we’re going to have to cut you.’”
Archuleta acknowledged that missing weight in a prior fight played a role, and he took the opportunity to shift to Rizin with a non-exclusive contract, allowing him greater flexibility. In Rizin, he aimed to stay active and showcase his talents, even capturing the bantamweight title in mid-2023, although he later lost the belt to Kai Asakura.
Despite his recent losses in Rizin, Archuleta remains motivated, inspired by the recent signing of Michael “Venom” Page, a former Bellator staple, by the UFC.
“I’m getting hope from Michael ‘Venom’ Page getting released and then signing with the UFC,” Archuleta told MMA Junkie. “It gives me that structure of saying, ‘Maybe I can do this.’”
Archuleta has built a strong fan base and a reputation as an electrifying fighter, factors he believes would attract the UFC. His status as a non-exclusive fighter with Rizin could allow him to quickly respond to a UFC opportunity, especially with UFC events in Spain potentially on the horizon.
“I’ve had a huge impact in the martial arts scene out there [in Spain],” Archuleta shared, hoping to leverage his Spanish heritage if a card in Spain materializes.
For now, Archuleta remains focused on getting back in the win column, staying active, and preparing for what he hopes will be a long-awaited debut in the UFC octagon.
Commentaires