An unbeaten featherweight prospect makes his UFC debut this week not far from his home.
Luiz Garagorri (12-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) takes on Humberto Bandenay (14-6 MMA, 1-2 UFC) on the main card at UFC on ESPN+ 14, which takes place Saturday at Antel Arena in Montevideo, the capital city of Uruguay. The card streams on ESPN+.
Ahead of the event, get to know Garagorri, whose home in Brazil is near the border with Uruguay.
Full name: Luiz Eduardo Garagorri
Nickname: When I fought muay Thai in Uruguay, I was nicknamed “El Latigo” (The Whip) due to my speed. But I’ve retired that nickname since then.
Birthplace: I was born and still live in Sant’Ana do Livramento, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. It borders the city of Rivera, Uruguay.
DOB: 05.28.89
Height/weight: 5-foot-10/featherweight
Team: CT Fronteira Fight
How’d you become a professional MMA fighter?
I’ve always enjoyed fighting since I was little. My father was also a fighter. At age 8, I started in taekwondo. I did that for 10 years. Then I migrated to kickboxing and muay Thai. After several muay Thai bouts, since I had always wanted to be an MMA fighter, I started training in other arts like jiu-jitsu and wrestling. My MMA debut was four years ago. My record is 12-0.
Despite being undefeated, what were some of your biggest challenges up to this point?
My toughest fight was against Uruguayan fighter Victor Rodriguez. His record is 15-3. Since he lives in Uruguay, his Sherdog record doesn’t show all his fights. His record looks bad, but he’s a great fighter. Now he’s a boxing pro and has even fought in Mexico. It was my hardest fight since I was sick with a fever, but I still managed to submit him in the third round.
You were supposed to face former champ Andre Harrison in May in the PFL. What happened?
I was going to fight in the PFL, but I had a small injury. I could have still fought. I spoke to my manager, and he said there was a chance of getting me later into the UFC Uruguay card.
What can you say about your opponent, Humberto Bandenay?
I think he’s an ideal opponent for my debut. He’s a striker and so am I. He’s a southpaw and so am I, though I can be ambidextrous. I think his game matches very well with mine. Of course, he’s training hard since he’s coming off two losses. But that doesn’t change anything for me. I’m always training.
How’s your training?
I got ready at my own academy – CT Fronteira Fight. I’ve also been working on my physical conditioning. My coaches are Gaspar Fernadez, and Juan Alberto Fajardo. Several of my students are muay Thai competitors and are helping me get ready. I have a sparring partner who is as tall as Bandenay and has been simulating his game. I’ll be very ready.
Plans for the future?
First, I want to debut in the UFC with a win. I want to start out on the right foot. With a win, I’d like to get on the Sao Paulo card next.
