A 38-year-old former champion could be joining the UFC roster soon.
The UFC doesn’t sign too many fighters over the age of 35, but they have made a few exceptions over the years.
Earlier this year, the premier promotion signed the likes of Bellator GOAT Patricio Pitbull at the age of 37 and former Bellator star Mandel Nallo at the age of 36, making Nallo the oldest contract winner in Contender Series history.
As far as UFC history goes, the oldest fighter to ever make their UFC debut was 51-year-old Ron Van Clief at UFC 4 over 30 years ago. However, this was his only UFC fight.
Another Bellator veteran made his case for the UFC after back-to-back wins on the regional scene.
Juan Archuleta says he’ll talk with UFC matchmaker on Monday
At 38 years old, Juan Archuleta has never fought in the UFC.
Archuleta (31-7) is a former bantamweight champion in Bellator and RIZIN, and was a former four-division champion in King of the Cage.
Archuleta defended his BORROKA featherweight title against Jose Johnson at XFC 53 on Saturday, submitting the former UFC fighter in two rounds.
Post-fight, Archuleta called out the likes of top contenders Diego Lopes and Dan Ige, wanting to be signed to the UFC.
“Made the statement that I needed to make,” Archuleta told Destiny McCubbin in an interview.
“Showed them that I outclassed him and that I don’t need these tune-up fights anymore.
“I need to be signed,” Archuleta said of the UFC.
“I need to fight top 10 right away…”
Archuleta confirmed an upcoming meeting with UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby, who was in attendance for the main event.
“Thankfully, Sean [Shelby] was in the stands, and he said let’s talk Monday, and we’ll book something from there,” said Archuleta.
Who are other UFC fighters that have been signed over the age of 35?
One of the UFC’s oldest signings was boxer James Toney, who made his promotional debut days after his 42nd birthday in 2010.
Toney only fought once in a crossover fight against Randy Couture, where he was submitted in the opening round.
In the same year, MMA legend Mark Hunt was 36 years old when he entered the Octagon for the first time.
Patricio Pitbull was 37 for his debut earlier this year and the 36-year-old Mandel Nallo has yet to book his first fight since winning a contract.
Time will tell if the UFC picks up Juan Archuleta, who turned 38 years old a week ago.