Carlos
Leal Miranda delivered one of the biggest highlights at
LFA 187 this past Saturday, when he defeated Manuel Mena
via first-round technical knockout in a Brazil vs. Latin
America-themed event.
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After the victory, Leal revealed to Sherdog that he wants to fight
for the LFA welterweight title he once held, but his real dream is
to compete in the
UFC.
“I showed in this fight that I am already at the level of fighting
in the biggest event in the world against the best in the world,”
the former
Professional Fighters League talent said. “In fact, I didn’t
lose the LFA belt, I left it vacant when I went to the PFL. The
ideal for me is to compete for the title again here at LFA. If the
invitation to fight in the UFC doesn’t come, I’m going to
wait.”
Leal also revealed the reason why he departed from the PFL after
losing to Sadibou Sy
in the 2023 postseason.
“The PFL is a very good organization,” he said. “I grew and matured
as a man and athlete fighting there and I can only thank the
promotion. But when I did my first season and didn’t win because of
[decision loss to Sy], I sat down and talked to my coach and
manager and we decided that I would try another season. If I
couldn’t win, we would look for other paths and that’s what we did
after the split-decision loss to Sadibou
Sy.”
The Brazilian is confident that if he were to receive a UFC
contract, it wouldn’t take long for him to make an impact in the
welterweight division.
“I follow the promotion. I know the big names in my division and I
have no doubt, not only am I ready to be in the UFC, but also to
prove that I am among the best in the category,” Leal said. “I just
need the opportunity.”