UFC Instagram photo
MANILA, Philippines – Prospect Ricky Turcios, who is of Salvadoran-Filipino descent, secured a contract with the UFC following a close split decision victory over Brady Hiestand in the Bantamweight Final of The Ultimate Fighter Sunday (Manila time) in the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
A natural striker, Turcios went head-to-head with the skilled fighter that is Hiestrand, eventually receiving the go-ahead from two of the three judges 29-28, 29-28, 28-29.
Hiestand had more than five minutes of ground control on the back of his six takedowns, but Turcios was more convincing during his standing exchanges.
Turcious then landed a right hand that shook Hiestand.
“It’s a dream come true. I want to say salamat sa Diyos, thank God,” said Turcios, whose mother is Filipino, in the interview in the cage. Fail, work hard, stay positive, and enjoy the ride. “
Turcios is just one of several fighters of Filipino descent who have made it to the UFC, including Mark Muñoz, Brandon Vera and Mark Striegl.
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