After frequently shooting his shot online, a former UFC middleweight who won gold outside the Octagon is finally back.
The UFC can be a revolving door for prospects who either sink or swim. Many have failed in their first attempt at forging a successful career there before working their way back to mixed martial arts’ leading promotion.
The latest to achieve that feat is Kyle Daukaus, who has finally been rewarded for his work outside of the organization since getting cut almost three years ago.
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UFC re-signs Kyle Daukaus, books him against Michel Pereira
Daukaus debuted in the UFC as an undefeated prospect five years ago, fresh off a title reign under the Cage Fury FC banner. But the 32-year-old was never able to gain momentum inside the Octagon.
While ‘The D’Arce Knight’ showed glimpses of promise in wins over Dustin Stoltzfus and Jamie Pickett, those results marked his only victories in seven appearances in the UFC. And after Daukaus’ brutal defeat to Roman Dolidze in mid-2022 left him with multiple facial fractures, a loss months later to Eryk Anders resulted in his release.
The 32-year-old returned to where he first earned his UFC contract, vowing to make his way back. Four fights, four wins, and another Cage Fury FC title reign later, Daukaus is back.
Per Ag. Fight, ‘The D’Arce Knight’ has been re-signed as a late-notice replacement for Marco Tulio at UFC Shanghai. After the Brazilian’s withdrawal, Daukaus will fight Michel Pereira in his return fight on August 23.
With that news, Daukaus’ scheduled title defense against Guram Gochashvili on August 30 has been canceled. According to Giorgi Kokiashvili, the Georgian fighter will instead compete for the vacant Cage Fury FC middleweight belt against a different opponent at a later date.
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Fans react to Kyle Daukaus’ long-awaited UFC return
Daukaus has been vocal on social media about his desire to return to the UFC for a while, even raising his hand for a number of short-notice opportunities.
Though he has not competed in 14 months, the American’s pleas were evidently noticed, and that seems to have pleased many in the MMA community who believe Daukaus has earned his chance with four victories and three finishes on a perfect run since getting cut.
“Well deserved, @KyleDaukaus!”
“He’s back, finally!”
“About time they brought him back.”
“They brought @KyleDaukaus back, let’s go!”
“Ayyy good for Daukaus.”
“Take em down and maul em Kyle @KyleDaukaus.”
“Should’ve never been cut to begin with, congrats Kyle.”
Others, though, questioned why Daukaus has been brought back while some other prominent names have not.
“UFC brought back Daukaus before Bigi Boy (Jairzinho Rozenstruik).”