Jake Yono
JY Journalism
10/5/25
The Journey Of An MMA Fighter Part #3
Your record now stands at 13-5. After a tough championship loss, you take a moment to reflect on your journey. You evaluate yourself, consider your shortcomings, and remind yourself of the quote that has driven your career: “Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but I will be a champion one day.” Those words reignite your determination. Instead of dwelling on defeat, you decide to use it as fuel for improvement. You take a week to rest and recover, both physically and mentally, before jumping back into training.
During that week, the updated UFC Welterweight Rankings were released. You anxiously check the list and breathe a sigh of relief when you see that you’ve only dropped to #4. It’s a testament to your skills and reputation that a loss in the championship didn’t knock you further down. As you reflect on the fight, you come to terms with the truth—you weren’t fully prepared for the intensity of competing at that level. Your opponent’s clinch control and relentless strikes made it incredibly difficult for you to mount an offensive game plan. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but you know the only way forward is through hard work and preparation. You study the fight tape obsessively, pinpointing areas where you faltered. You analyze your mistakes, from defensive lapses to missed opportunities to capitalize on openings. Armed with these lessons, you approach your next training camp with renewed focus and determination. Your matchmaker contacts you to discuss your next fight. Together, you decide on an opponent who will push you to your limits: the #2 Welterweight Contender. He’s an experienced wrestler nearing the twilight of his career, having held the championship belt four years ago. Despite his age, he remains a formidable challenge, especially given his wrestling pedigree. To prepare for this high-stakes bout, you hire a world-class wrestling coach from the American Top Team. Training intensifies as you drill takedown defense, scrambles, and transitions endlessly. This fight is more than just another match; it’s the main event at the UFC Apex, with fans and analysts eagerly watching to see how you bounce back from your last loss. Financially, you’ve come a long way since the start of your career. After four years in the UFC, you’ve earned enough to stop working a day job and purchase a modest beach house, where you can focus entirely on training. Yet, you remain hungry—not just for victory but for recognition. The thought of earning performance bonuses or Fight of the Night honors keeps you motivated. The day of the fight arrives, and as you walk into the Apex, you feel a deep sense of readiness. Every aspect of your training has been meticulous, and you’re confident that you’ve done everything possible to set yourself up for success.
The fight begins, and as expected, your opponent wastes no time going for takedowns. He manages to get you to the mat early, but you stay active, scrambling out of bad positions and landing ground strikes whenever possible. Round 1 is closely contested, with neither fighter gaining a clear advantage. In Round 2, you seize the momentum. Utilizing your striking, you land several clean shots, including spinning wheel kicks that briefly stun your opponent. The crowd roars as you press forward. Rounds 3 and 4 are a grueling mix of striking exchanges and grappling battles. Both of you are tested to the limit, trading significant blows and exhausting every ounce of energy. In the fifth and final round, your opponent digs deep, securing an early takedown. He controls you for a significant portion of the round, and then, with incredible precision, locks in a tight choke. Despite your best efforts to escape, you’re forced to tap out. The loss stings, but you hold your head high as the crowd erupts in applause. The fight was an instant classic, a thrilling back-and-forth war that showcased the heart and skill of both fighters. The UFC recognizes this by awarding you Fight of the Night honors, along with a generous bonus.
Now 13-6, with three fights left on your contract, you’re determined to bounce back stronger than ever. Your next fight is against a less challenging opponent in a three-round match. This time, you dominate from start to finish, earning a unanimous decision victory in all three rounds during the first bout of a PPV main card. Your second fight is against a top-10 contender. After a cautious and strategic first round, you find your rhythm in the second, landing a clean combination that ends the fight via knockout. In your final contract fight, you face the #6-ranked contender, a dangerous striker with a known weakness in wrestling. The first round is tough—you struggle to take him down and endure a barrage of strikes. But in the second round, you execute a single-leg takedown with precision, dominating in ground control before securing a submission in the final minute.
With your record now at 16-6, Dana White and the matchmakers call you in for a meeting. At 30 years old, with five years of UFC experience under your belt, you feel a renewed sense of purpose. You’ve always believed that your faith in God and your relentless drive could lead you to greatness. The UFC offers you a contract extension, solidifying their belief in your potential. When the new rankings are released, you’re thrilled to see your name at #3 in the Welterweight Division. The stage is set—it’s officially time to chase your ultimate dream of becoming a UFC Champion.