The UFC flyweight division just got a lot more interesting, thanks to the addition of Jose Torres, who will make his short notice promotional debut at UFC Utica this Friday.
Widely considered one of the best lighter weight prospects outside the UFC, Jose ‘Shorty’ Torres recently inked a deal with the Endeavor-owned promotion. Now, the hot prospect has a chance to make a big impression in the UFC’s smallest weight class.
Titan FC’s reigning champ-champ (flyweight & bantamweight), Torres is set to make his first walk to the octagon this Friday at UFC Utica on just nine days’ notice against Jarred ‘The Monkey God’ Brooks.
Speaking with Cageside Press just days before inking his UFC deal, Torres was optimistic this day would come sooner rather than later. “I know I’ll be in the UFC one day,” Torres revealed. “I’m literally just waiting to be signed, but I still have to make a living for myself and stay relevant when I’m not fighting. Right now I’m kind of in MMA limbo.”
‘Shorty’ had long been lobbying for his UFC shot, with many pundits wondering why it was taking so long. “The timing has never worked out,” explained Torres. “The UFC has been having problems with their flyweight division, and it doesn’t look like they want to sign anyone right now mainly because of money.”
“I’ve been envisioning this moment for a long time; in my mind I’ve already made the walk a hundred times.”
Be that as it may, uncle Dana opened the check book. As a result we now have one of the brightest young prospects in the sport fighting Friday night in his promotional debut.
Torres will be the first fighter making the walk to the octagon on fight night, and if you think ‘Shorty’ will fall victim to the dreaded UFC jitters, think again. “I’m going to approach this fight like any other,” said Torres of his UFC debut. “I’ve been envisioning this moment for a long time; in my mind I’ve already made the walk a hundred times. Business as usual.”
Timing is everything. Just days after speaking with Cageside Press, Torres would go on to sign his UFC contract and fulfill a life long dream. We reached out to ‘Shorty’ for a comment after the ink had dried.
“Its been a long time coming and I’m just so happy that I can finally say yes, I am in the UFC. Everyone’s support and positive feedback is overwhelming and it’s amazing to know that I have so many people from around the world who know and support me. To new and old fans and friends.”
Jose Torres vs Jarred Brooks will be the first fight of the night on the early UFC Fight Pass prelims (5:30PM CST/6:30PM EST). UFC Utica, or UFC Fight Night 131, takes place June 1 at the Adirondack Bank Center in Utica, New York.
