This past week, Enrique Barzola and Tyler Diamond fought at the 2024 PFL Playoffs 6 event. Barzola suffered a unanimous decision loss against Timur Khizriev, while Diamond secured a unanimous decision win over Brett Johns. Barzola’s last UFC fight ended in a majority draw against Rani Yahya at UFC Fight Night 170 on March 14, 2020. Since exiting the UFC, Barzola has maintained a record of 4-4. On the other hand, Diamond’s last UFC fight was a majority decision loss to Bryce Mitchell at The Ultimate Fighter 27 Finale on July 6, 2018. Diamond has amassed a record of 5-2 since leaving the UFC.
Another exciting matchup that took place featured Kai Kamaka and Brendan Loughnane at the 2024 PFL Playoffs 6 event. Kamaka claimed a unanimous decision victory over Pedro Carvalho, while Loughnane secured a TKO win against Justin Gonzales. Kamaka’s last UFC fight ended in a majority draw against Danny Chavez at UFC on ESPN 28 on July 31, 2021. Since his departure from the UFC, Kamaka has maintained an impressive record of 6-1. Loughnane’s last UFC fight was a unanimous decision loss to Mike Wilkinson at UFC on FX 6 on Dec. 14, 2012. Loughnane has since amassed a record of 23-4 in his post-UFC career.
Polo Reyes and Allan Zuniga are set to face off at Supreme Fight Night 6. Reyes’s last MMA fight ended in a unanimous decision loss against Francesco Patron at Lux Fight League 23 on June 17, 2022. Reyes’s last UFC fight was a majority decision loss to John Gunther at The Ultimate Fighter 27 Finale on July 6, 2018. Since his UFC exit, Reyes has struggled with a record of 0-4. Zuniga’s last MMA fight resulted in a TKO loss to Adam Assenza at BTC 20 on June 17, 2023. Zuniga’s last UFC fight was a TKO loss to Kyle Nelson at UFC Fight Night 159 on Sept. 21, 2019. Zuniga holds a record of 2-2 since leaving the UFC.
Looking ahead to upcoming events, Ashley Yoder is scheduled to fight at LFA 190 against an opponent yet to be announced. Yoder’s last MMA fight ended in a unanimous decision loss to Karolina Wojcik at Invicta FC 50 on Nov. 16, 2022. Yoder’s last UFC fight resulted in a split decision loss to Maria Oliveira. Another fighter to watch is Gloria de Paula, who is slated to compete at LFA 190 against an opponent to be determined. De Paula’s last UFC fight was a unanimous decision loss to Emily Ducote at UFC Fight Night 230 on Oct. 14, 2023. De Paula holds a record of 0-0 since exiting the UFC.
Jared Vanderaa is gearing up to face Demoreo Dennis at Fight Night 20. Vanderaa’s last MMA fight concluded with a TKO win over Alexey Kiser at LXF 17 on June 15, 2024. Vanderaa’s last UFC fight was a unanimous decision loss to Waldo Cortes-Acosta at UFC Fight Night 213 on Oct. 29, 2022. Vanderaa has secured a record of 3-1 since leaving the UFC. Additionally, Danny Malette is set to battle it out with an opponent yet to be named at Fight Night 20. Malette’s last MMA fight ended with a unanimous decision win over Max Choriev at Shamrock FC 354 on May 10, 2024. Malette’s last UFC fight resulted in a split decision loss to Yohan Lainesse at UFC 279 on Sept. 10, 2022. Malette holds a record of 3-0 in MMA and 0-1 in boxing since exiting the UFC.
The landscape of MMA continues to evolve with UFC veterans showcasing their skills in various promotions post-UFC exit. These fighters have faced triumphs and setbacks, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the sport. As fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming matches, the performances of these veterans serve as a testament to their resilience and determination in the face of challenges.