Derrick Krantz is stepping in on five days’ notice to make his UFC debut against Vicente Luque on Saturday at UFC on ESPN+ 10 in Rochester, N.Y.
We now know how Krantz, a nearly 11-year professional MMA fighter, was even considered for this opportunity in the first place.
On March 29, Krantz knocked out Justin Patterson in brutal fashion in the first round at LFA 63 in Belton, Texas. UFC president Dana White was sitting cageside that night, filming his YouTube reality series “Lookin’ For a Fight,” but he had no interest in Krantz – until the spectacular finish caught his attention.
Afterward, Krantz used his mic time in the cage to address White, asking for a shot at the UFC. Krantz then got up close and personal by approaching White cageside. His persistence continued backstage, too.
Krantz’s performance combined with his attitude, how could White say no? He couldn’t.
“So listen. I’m gonna be honest with you. You’re 31 years old, makes no (expletive) sense whatsoever. I love your (expletive) attitude. I’m gonna bring you in,” White told Krantz.
It’s a pretty cool thing to happen, and you can check it out in the video above (22:00).
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