UFC Veteran Lando Vannata Returns to Action After 3-Year Hiatus

The fan-favorite 'Groovy' Vannata is set to face Darrius Flowers at UFC Vegas 115 this weekend.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:06am

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring two figures in a dynamic, high-energy UFC fight, with vibrant neon colors and rapid brushstrokes conveying the raw intensity of the action.The long-awaited return of UFC fan-favorite Landro 'Groovy' Vannata promises to bring his signature brand of high-octane chaos back to the Octagon.Las Vegas Today

After a three-year absence from the Octagon, veteran UFC Lightweight Lando Vannata is set to return to action this Saturday at UFC Vegas 115. Vannata, known for his exciting fighting style and four straight Performance of the Night bonuses early in his career, last competed in 2023 and then disappeared from the scene due to 'life' and some medical issues. Now healthy and refocused, the 4-7-1 UFC fighter is eager to get back in the cage against the aggressive Darrius Flowers.

Why it matters

Vannata has built a reputation as one of the most entertaining fighters in the UFC's Lightweight division, known for his willingness to engage in wild, high-paced fights. His return will be a welcome sight for fans who have missed his unique brand of chaos in the Octagon over the past three years.

The details

Vannata last competed at UFC Kansas City in 2023, where he lost a unanimous decision to Mexican prospect Daniel Zellhuber. After that fight, Vannata was booked a couple of times in late 2023 and 2024, but both fights fell through. He then went quiet, leaving fans to wonder what happened to 'Groovy.' Vannata now reveals he was dealing with some 'life' and medical issues, but has spent the time away improving his jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai skills, even earning his black belt in BJJ.

  • Vannata last competed at UFC Kansas City in 2023.
  • Vannata was booked for fights in late 2023 and 2024, but they fell through.
  • Vannata has been out of action for 3 years, returning this Saturday, April 4, 2026 at UFC Vegas 115.

The players

Lando Vannata

A veteran UFC Lightweight fighter known for his exciting, high-paced fighting style and four straight Performance of the Night bonuses early in his career. He has a 4-7-1 record in the UFC.

Darrius Flowers

Vannata's opponent at UFC Vegas 115, known for his aggressive, all-action fighting style.

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What they’re saying

“Life, man. I had some medical stuff going on, had life going on. I was dealing with real-world things. But I'm coming out the other side in a good place, and I'm excited. I always train, but it wasn't until a year ago that I got back to full-training.”

— Lando Vannata, UFC Fighter

“It was good, man. Physically and mentally, there was no pressure. I could just do what I wanted, and it allowed me to soak up everything. I did a lot of jiu-jitsu the last few years and a lot of Muay Thai, so it allowed me to open up my game in a lot of different areas...I got my black belt in BJJ that time.”

— Lando Vannata, UFC Fighter

What’s next

Vannata is expected to provide an exciting, high-paced fight against the aggressive Darrius Flowers this Saturday, April 4, 2026 at UFC Vegas 115 in Las Vegas.

The takeaway

Vannata's return to the Octagon after a three-year hiatus will be a welcome sight for UFC fans who have missed his unique brand of chaotic, entertaining fighting. The time away seems to have allowed him to further develop his skills, and he'll look to put on a show against Flowers this weekend.