The pool of UFC featherweights chasing down Alexander Volkanovski just got deeper with the addition of a highly regarded prospect.
In a change of approach, the UFC has been signing a number of established stars and prospects from other promotions in recent years.
Ex-Bellator standouts like Patricio Pitbull, Patchy Mix, and Michael ‘Venom’ Page all arrived, while two former KSW champions in Robert Ruchala and Jakub Wiklacz are gearing up for their debuts in the coming weeks.
In the eyes of many, though, the best possible signing that Dana White’s promotion could make has remained away from the Octagon. That was, until now…
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UFC signs former OKTAGON double champion Losene Keita
When it comes to fighters who have been making a splash on the rising European MMA scene, not many can hold a candle to the efforts of Losene Keita.
The 16-1 professional — whose sole loss was due to an injury — became a two-division champion under the OKTAGON banner by collecting both the featherweight and lightweight titles. During his time in the organization, the 27-year-old became known for highlight-reel knockouts, entertaining walkouts, and some solid mic skills.
All three of those attributes are no doubt desirable to the UFC, but the promotion was still not willing to offer the rising star more than a base $12,000 show/$12,000 win contract in 2024. As a result, Keita chose to stay put in the European organization.
But this year, he revealed the presence of a UFC-out clause in his latest contract. That was evidently exercised, as Keita took to social media on Friday to announce that he has finally put pen to paper on a deal with MMA’s leading promotion.
MMA Junkie’s Nolan King later confirmed that he will compete at 145 pounds, meaning ‘Black Panther’ will mark the latest newcomer with their eye on Volkanovski’s gold, following on from the UFC 319 debuting Aaron Pico, who jumped ship from the PFL to the UFC this year.
And given Keita’s history of multi-weight success in Europe, perhaps the 27-year-old will have one eye on Ilia Topuria’s lightweight gold should he enjoy a fast rise up the featherweight ranks.
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Fans have long called for the UFC to sign Losene Keita
It did not take long for MMA fans to react to news of Keita’s impending arrival in the UFC. It was unsurprising to see most incredibly excited about the signing, especially given how many had been calling on the sport’s top promotion to bring the leading prospect over to the Octagon.
For months, fans had been pushing for the UFC to make Keita the latest major free-agent signing. Finally, their calls have been heard.
“Losene KEITA. He’s not in the UFC, but he’s got the skills to take down a UFC Top 15.”
“We need to see you (Keita) in the UFC asap.”
“Keita would’ve been awesome, they clearly don’t care about UFC Paris, they’re making no effort on the card.”
“@keita_losene let’s goooo sign (with) @ufc.”
“Losene Keita at UFC Paris please.”
“But what is the UFC waiting for to sign the Belgian gem?”
“The fact that Keita isn’t signing with the UFC makes me sick of MMA.”
Now, talk of Keita online is focused on anticipation for his UFC debut and discussion over whether he can replicate his OKTAGON success on MMA’s biggest stage.
“Let’s go!!! I’ve been wanting this signing for a while.”
“UFC is not ready for the BRUTALITY.”
“One of the best fighters on European soil.”