Curtis Millender made a memorable entrance into the UFC arena in February 2018, marking his debut with a spectacular Performance of the Night award after knocking out veteran Thiago Alves. This triumph set a promising tone for his UFC career, as he continued to build momentum with two additional victories. However, the landscape of mixed martial arts is unforgiving, and Millender soon faced challenges that would lead to his departure from the promotion. He encountered formidable opponents, suffering back-to-back losses to Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos and Belal Muhammad—both tough competitors in the welterweight division. In late 2019, Millender was released, prompting a reevaluation of his career trajectory.
Following his exit from the UFC, Millender ventured into various combat sports, including a series of different promotions. This period turned out to be fortuitous, as he managed to string together an impressive four-fight winning streak. Nevertheless, his resurgence came to a halt when he faced Alexander Shlemenko in June, a stark reminder of the competitive nature of professional fighting. In interviews, Millender has openly expressed a mix of nostalgia and admiration for his peers still thriving in the UFC. Fighters like Kevin Holland, Max Griffin, and Belal Muhammad serve as constant reminders of what could have been, yet Millender remains grounded despite these feelings.
Reflections on His Career Choices
In candid discussions, Millender admitted, “Every day I wish I was still in the big show in the UFC.” Despite this longing, he highlighted that life outside of the UFC has its own set of advantages. Millender noted that he still has the opportunity to travel, train, and earn a living through fighting, attributing a sense of fulfillment to his ongoing journey. This perspective paints a picture of a fighter content with his choices while simultaneously acknowledging a lingering desire for the high stakes of the UFC.
Millender is set to continue his fighting career in a different arena as he prepares to face Jesse Ronson at the Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA 8 event in Biloxi, Mississippi. His attitude toward competition reflects resilience; he remains focused on securing quality matchups rather than obsessing over potential returns to the UFC. “I never talked to my management about, ‘Oh, are they asking about me?’” he shared, indicating a pragmatic approach to his career. Instead, he prioritizes his immediate goals—seeking challenging fights and financial stability.
Ultimately, Curtis Millender’s journey illustrates the complexity of a fighter’s life. The transition from UFC contender to bare-knuckle fighter denotes not just a change in venues, but also a broader understanding of fulfillment and ambition within the sport. As Millender continues to chase high-level competition, his story serves as inspiration for fighters grappling with their own paths—showing that every setback can lead to new opportunities if one remains committed.