38-Fight MMA Veteran & Ex-Champion Asks UFC Boss Dana White for UFC Opportunity

Juan Archuleta, a former Bellator and RIZIN champion, is campaigning for a UFC contract.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 6:58pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fragmented movements and perspectives of a mixed martial arts fight, conveying the raw energy and intensity of the sport.A former champion in multiple promotions seeks his chance to compete on the biggest stage in MMA.Today in Miami

Juan Archuleta, a 38-year-old MMA veteran with a 31-7 record, has been actively seeking an opportunity to compete in the UFC. Archuleta is a former champion in both Bellator and RIZIN, and he recently had the chance to chat with UFC CEO Dana White at UFC 327 in Miami. Archuleta has expressed his desire to join the UFC roster and showcase his skills on the biggest stage in the sport.

Why it matters

Archuleta's extensive experience and championship pedigree in other major MMA promotions make him an intriguing potential addition to the UFC roster. As the UFC continues to seek out top talent from around the world, Archuleta's pursuit of a UFC contract could lead to an opportunity for the veteran fighter to test himself against the best in the organization.

The details

Archuleta began his professional MMA career in 2013 and quickly established himself as a top prospect, winning multiple regional titles before joining Bellator in 2018. He went on to win the Bellator bantamweight championship in 2020 before relinquishing the title to Sergio Pettis the following year. Archuleta then made the jump to RIZIN, where he won the promotion's vacant bantamweight title in 2023. After a few losses in RIZIN, Archuleta returned to the win column with a knockout victory and a submission win in 2022.

  • Archuleta had the chance to speak with UFC CEO Dana White at UFC 327 in Miami on April 14, 2026.
  • Archuleta won the BORROKA featherweight title in the summer of 2022.
  • Archuleta was scheduled to face Suguru Nii in RIZIN on New Year's Eve 2022 but withdrew due to visa issues.

The players

Juan Archuleta

A 38-year-old MMA veteran with a 31-7 professional record, Archuleta is a former champion in both Bellator and RIZIN. He is actively campaigning for an opportunity to compete in the UFC.

Dana White

The CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the premier MMA organization in the world.

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What’s next

It is unclear if Dana White and the UFC will offer Archuleta a contract, but the veteran fighter's persistence and impressive resume make him a potential candidate for a UFC opportunity.

The takeaway

Archuleta's pursuit of a UFC contract highlights the continued influx of top talent from other promotions seeking to test themselves on the biggest stage in MMA. His experience and championship pedigree make him an intriguing prospect, and his conversation with Dana White suggests the UFC is aware of his interest in joining the organization.