Allan Begosso, a featherweight fighter in the LFA, steps into the cage at LFA 208 on Friday night with a clear mission: to dominate, secure a victory, and earn a call to the UFC. With a professional record of 8 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw, Begosso aims to impress both fans and UFC officials in this critical matchup.
This isn’t Begosso’s first attempt at breaking into the UFC. He previously fought in Dana White’s Contender Series but did not land a contract after a decision loss to Farid Basharat. Despite this setback, he gained invaluable experience that has intensified his desire to compete at the highest level. “After this experience, I completely understand why people want to go to the UFC. It’s amazing,” Begosso said in an interview, highlighting the incredible atmosphere and resources available at the UFC Performance Institute. He remains optimistic and believes this fight is a step toward his goal of becoming a UFC fighter.
For Begosso, the journey back to the cage has been long, but it hasn’t been due to injuries. Instead, it has been fraught with challenges, primarily due to opponents withdrawing from scheduled fights. He specifically withdrew from one bout to care for his ailing grandfather in Brazil, but the majority of his inactivity stemmed from opponents pulling out last minute. “I don’t even know,” he reflected. “Like five fights in a row canceled. Always some reason.” He recounted a bizarre reason from one opponent claiming to have suffered a dog bite just a week before the fight. Unfortunately, other fighters faced legitimate health issues, leaving Begosso frustrated but understanding.
The upcoming fight against Davaajamts Batsuren at LFA 208 carries more weight for Begosso than just a win in the cage. He views it as his opportunity to prove he deserves a shot in the UFC. However, he has also made it clear that if he doesn’t secure a contract after this bout, he may reevaluate his fighting career. “To be honest, the next step after this fight depends on the UFC. If they sign me, I will keep going. I love this sport,” he stated. Yet, he also acknowledged a harsh reality: if the UFC doesn’t come calling, he might step back from fighting to focus on financial stability.
Turning 30 this year, Begosso recognizes that while he is still young, he also needs to think about his future, especially considering he has fought seven times in the LFA without substantial financial rewards. “My whole life, I fought for no money,” he expressed. He knows that opportunities to earn life-changing money in mixed martial arts are limited, and the UFC represents the best chance to achieve financial security.
“The money is in the UFC. There aren’t many shows paying enough to change your life like the UFC does,” he explained. Begosso has been dedicated to his craft, and after this fight, he hopes to determine the next steps in his career. He has already competed twice for titles in the LFA, and he questions what more he needs to prove.
“I just decided to take this fight and see what happens. If it leads to the UFC, I’ll be incredibly happy and continue my journey. If not, that’s okay too,” he concluded. This pivotal bout at LFA 208 on Friday night in Santa Cruz, California, could very well be a life-altering moment for Allan Begosso. Fans and experts alike will be watching closely to see if he can secure a victory and grab the attention of the UFC.
