Kevin Vallejos Keeps Quiet on Potential Opponents After UFC Vegas 114 Win

The rising UFC fighter is focused on improving his skills rather than calling out specific opponents.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 5:09am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

After his dominant victory over Josh Emmett at UFC Fight Night 269, Kevin Vallejos opted not to call out any potential future opponents in his post-fight interview. The 18-1 MMA fighter explained that he wants to continue improving his skills in training camp rather than engage in trash talk or name-calling. Vallejos said he's already living his dream by fighting in the UFC and is open to taking on any challenge the promotion gives him, including potential matchups against Yair Rodriguez, Brian Ortega, or a rematch with the only man to beat him, Jean Silva.

Why it matters

Vallejos' decision to avoid callouts after a big win is a refreshing change of pace in the often trash-talk heavy world of MMA. His focus on self-improvement over self-promotion could help him continue his rise up the UFC featherweight rankings in a measured, disciplined way.

The details

In his post-fight news conference, Vallejos told reporters through a Spanish-language interpreter that he didn't want to mention any specific names because he wants to keep improving his skills in training camp. He said he's open to fighting any of the top featherweights not currently booked, including champion Alexander Volkanovski, Yair Rodriguez, Brian Ortega, and his lone career loss, Jean Silva. Vallejos said he's already living his dream by fighting in the UFC and is just focused on continuing to get better.

  • Vallejos defeated Josh Emmett at UFC Fight Night 269 on March 15, 2026.

The players

Kevin Vallejos

An 18-1 MMA fighter who is currently competing in the UFC featherweight division.

Josh Emmett

The UFC featherweight fighter that Vallejos defeated at UFC Fight Night 269.

Alexander Volkanovski

The current UFC featherweight champion.

Yair Rodriguez

A top UFC featherweight contender.

Brian Ortega

A top UFC featherweight contender.

Jean Silva

The only fighter to have defeated Vallejos in his professional MMA career.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I wouldn't say a name because I want to improve. I want to get better. There are things I want to work in camp. Little by little, I think I can give more than I gave tonight. I think I have much more to give and I want to make sure that I'm prepared for that, so I'll take on any challenge that's given to me.”

— Kevin Vallejos, UFC Fighter (MMA Junkie)

“Any of those four names would be good. Obviously with Volk being the champion, I think a fight against Yair or Brian would be great. I think those would be great fights. And everybody knows about the history with Jean Silva. It'll be a great fight, but I'll tell you what: I root for the guy. I want him really to get the title so I can have a rematch against him for that belt. That's what I would like. We're going to be crossing paths sooner or later, but if the UFC wants us to face before it, that'd be great.”

— Kevin Vallejos, UFC Fighter (MMA Junkie)

“I'm already living my dream. The dream was pretty much accomplished at one point, when I knew I was on my way to it and my dream was coming true. My manager looked at me and said, 'Listen, what do you want next?' I said, 'Give me a fight overseas. Give me fights out there.' I wanted to do that, and here I am fighting in the United States for the greatest organization in the world. I have accomplished a lot. Just to be here, to me, is something that I didn't even think (possible) in this or 10,000 other lives. I'm very happy to be where I am.”

— Kevin Vallejos, UFC Fighter (MMA Junkie)

What’s next

It's unclear exactly where Vallejos will land in the UFC featherweight rankings after his win over Emmett, but he's open to taking on any of the top contenders not currently booked, including champion Alexander Volkanovski, Yair Rodriguez, Brian Ortega, or a rematch with Jean Silva.

The takeaway

Vallejos' decision to avoid callouts and instead focus on self-improvement is a refreshing approach in the often trash-talk heavy world of MMA. His humility and desire to keep getting better could help him continue his rise up the featherweight ranks in a measured, disciplined way.