UFC Freed Fighter Once Trained by McGregor Following Unsuccessful UFC Streak
From the Octagon to the Unknown: Landon Quinones' UFC Exit
Landon Quinones, affectionately known as "The Lone Wolf," found himself on the outside of the UFC after enduring two straight defeats. His UFC debut at UFC 293 on September 9, 2023, ended in a loss to Nasrat Haqparast via unanimous decision, followed by another on February 3, 2024 against MarQuel Mederos, also by unanimous decision [1][3].
In the heat of the moment, Quinones wasn't star-struck — at least not until he met Conor McGregor during filming for The Ultimate Fighter Season 31. "I was really star struck. It was crazy," he confessed in an interview with Gallimbo Sports [2]. Unfortunately, this reality show stint didn't translate into UFC success.
Following his loss to Mederos, Quinones decided to step away from the sport [2]. But, at just 29 years old, he's far from retiring. With an official UFC record of 0-2 and a pro MMA record of 7-3-1, there's still plenty of fight left in Quinones.
As he charts his next move, regional promotions like Bellator MMA, ONE Championship, or the Professional Fighters League (PFL) could be enticing options [1]. He's trained with MMA Science Academy and Kill Cliff FC, ensuring no shortage of sparring partners as he plots his MMA resurgence.
A New Beginning: Quinones in the Post-UFC World
With the UFC seemingly moving on from Quinones, the question remains: where will Landon Quinones land? Perhaps the PFL's unique season-based format might appeal to him. Or, possibly, Bellator MMA, known for providing second chances to released UFC fighters, could be his next destination. Even Asia-based promotions like ONE Championship offer new challenges and opportunities [1].
For now, Quinones leaves the Octagon with his head held high, seeking clarity and opportunity in the wide world of MMA. His journey highlights the unpredictable path that the sport can offer, as we eagerly await his next move.
Up Next: UFC Vegas 104
The much-anticipated UFC Vegas 104 event is set to take place on Saturday, March 15, 2024, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The card will feature a middleweight rematch between Marvin Vettori and Roman Dolidze, a rematch of their March 13, 2023, face-off [3]. Stay tuned for results, highlights, and bonuses from this highly-eagerly-awaited event.
References:[1] "Landon Quiñones," Encyclopedia of MMA, Retrieved March 12, 2024.[2] "Quinones' candid interview about meeting McGregor," Gallimbo Sports, March 10, 2024.[3] "Fight Record: Landon Quiñones," Sherdog, Retrieved March 12, 2024.
- The UFC has released Landon Quinones, who stands at a pro MMA record of 7-3-1 but holds an official UFC record of 0-2, following two consecutive losses.
- Elizeu, a potential sparring partner of Quinones, might find him in regional promotions like Bellator MMA, ONE Championship, or the Professional Fighters League (PFL), where he is currently on a hiatus.
- A winless UFC fighter, Landon Quinones is no longer a part of UFC 314, but he still maintains his presence in UFC news, as fans and MMA enthusiasts eagerly anticipate his next move in the post-UFC world.
