In a remarkable turn of events, Adam Fugitt’s journey in the UFC took a significant leap as he transitioned from the prelims to the main card on UFC 289. This promotion came as a pleasant surprise to Fugitt, who received the news from his father.
Leading up to this moment, the determined fighter from Eugene, Oregon, continued to train diligently at the gym. Initially, Fugitt believed his role in the fight was to serve as an out-of-town challenger for Mike Malott, a hometown hero from Vancouver, British Columbia, in Canada.
“That’s been my approach since I started fighting – embracing the underdog role in enemy territory,” Fugitt shared with MMA Hook.
His mindset remained unchanged; however, now he had the opportunity to showcase his skills on a much grander stage. With the withdrawal of welterweight contenders Stephen Thompson and Michel Pereira, Fugitt and Malott emerged as the beneficiaries, securing a spot on the pay-per-view card.
Fugitt and Malott’s presence on the card might highlight concerns of oversaturation in the UFC. Nevertheless, Fugitt expressed his gratitude for the chance to seize this opportunity. Every fighter aspires to be as close to the main event as possible.
“I want to be a main card fighter,” Fugitt expressed. “I aim to be a headliner at some point. After all, you don’t enter this sport with the intention of not achieving those milestones.”
He firmly believed in his abilities, asserting that he could compete against anyone and triumph over most opponents.
Presently, Fugitt’s career is headed in the right direction. However, his journey had its share of challenges. Five years ago, he faced a pivotal moment when he approached his boss at the lumber company, where he supervised 33 employees. Fugitt admitted that his mind was preoccupied with MMA, rather than his job. Recognizing this distraction in an environment filled with potential hazards, his boss made the decision to let him go.
At the age of 29, Fugitt found himself transitioning into a full-time MMA career, armed with a 3-1 record. It was an opportune moment to embark on a new path. However, a nine-day notice fight resulted in a knockout defeat within 91 seconds.
Drawing inspiration from UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture’s words, Fugitt chose to interpret the setback positively and moved forward.
“It actually boosted my confidence, realizing that I’ll always have the support of my family and loved ones,” Fugitt reflected. “As long as I have that, I possess everything necessary to step into the octagon and fight as myself. It was indeed a huge relief for me.”
Two months following the knockout, Fugitt made his return to the cage, winning his subsequent three fights, including one in the prominent LFA, a well-known feeder promotion for the UFC. However, the COVID-19 pandemic posed a significant financial challenge.
When an opportunity arose on short notice for UFC 277, Fugitt eagerly accepted the fight. He faced immense pressure, cutting 30 pounds in one week to make weight. Unfortunately, disaster struck once again. After two intense rounds, Michael Morales secured victory with a flurry of punches in the third round.
Despite this worst-case scenario, Fugitt demonstrated resilience and rebounded by defeating his next opponent, Yusaku Kinoshita, in the first round. A pattern began to emerge.
While the main card slot on UFC 289 was uncharted territory for Fugitt, he perceived the circumstances surrounding the fight to be similar. Once again, he found himself in a situation where he was expected to lose, and he relished the opportunity.
“I believe it presents me with another high-level contender that they believe they can easily dismiss me with,” Fugitt explained. “I see it as a chance to prove them wrong once more. As long as I continue to defy expectations, there will come a time when they can no longer deny who I am.”
If Fugitt could deliver a message to his 29-year-old self, who decided to pursue a career in MMA, it would be to embrace the power of perseverance. He is on the verge of realizing his lifelong dream, which is to showcase Eugene’s formidable fighting talent, a place primarily known for the Oregon Ducks rather than mixed martial arts.
“To achieve your dreams, you must be prepared to endure the most challenging times, to persevere even when things seem bleak,” Fugitt emphasized.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about UFC 289 PPV card
Q: How did Adam Fugitt go from prelims to the main card on UFC 289?
A: Adam Fugitt’s promotion from the prelims to the main card on UFC 289 came as a surprise. He received the good news from his father and seized the opportunity to showcase his skills on a larger platform when two welterweight contenders vacated their spots. Fugitt’s underdog mentality and determination to prove himself have played a significant role in his rise.
Q: What challenges did Adam Fugitt face in his MMA career?
A: Fugitt encountered various challenges throughout his MMA career. Initially, he had to make the difficult decision to leave his job to pursue fighting full-time. He also experienced setbacks, such as a knockout defeat and financial struggles during the pandemic. However, Fugitt displayed resilience, rebounding from defeats and continuing to pursue his dreams in the face of adversity.
Q: How does Adam Fugitt view his upcoming fight on the main card of UFC 289?
A: Fugitt sees his upcoming fight as another opportunity to prove himself against a top-level contender. He embraces the underdog role and relishes the chance to defy expectations. Fugitt believes that by continually proving doubters wrong, he will ultimately gain recognition for his skills and accomplishments in the octagon.
Q: What message does Adam Fugitt have for aspiring fighters?
A: Fugitt’s message to aspiring fighters is to hold on, persevere, and remain steadfast in pursuing their dreams. He emphasizes the importance of enduring through challenging times, believing in oneself, and surrounding oneself with a strong support system. Fugitt’s own journey serves as a testament to the power of determination and the rewards that can come from never giving up.
More about UFC 289 PPV card
- UFC Official Website
- UFC 289 Event Information
- Adam Fugitt’s UFC Profile
- MMA Hook Interview with Adam Fugitt
- LFA (Legacy Fighting Alliance) Official Website
- Randy Couture UFC Hall of Fame Profile
3 comments
Wow, Adam Fugitt’s journey from prelims to the main card on UFC 289 is impressive! He’s really embracing the challenges and proving everyone wrong. Can’t wait to see him in action!
Fugitt’s story is inspiring, man. Going from getting knocked out to bouncing back and winning fights, that takes some serious guts. I love his underdog mentality and how he’s not afraid to take on tough opponents. Keep proving ’em wrong, Adam!
UFC 289 is gonna be lit with Fugitt on the main card! This guy’s got heart and determination. I respect how he’s chasing his dreams and representing his hometown. Eugene’s got a new fighting talent to be proud of. Bring it on, Fugitt!