Nate Andrews defeated Bryce Logan for his 15th finish in his MMA career at CES 54. At age 34, he awaits the possibility of a UFC call up, but will Dana White pick up the phone?
Live on UFC Fight Pass, Nate Andrews continued his impressive streak with his 15th career finish and another successful title defense. Following the second-round submission win, Andrews was quick on the mic to remind the UFC he is still waiting. “That was special for me, to be able to do that on Fight Pass was special, lots of people watching worldwide.”
The matinee CES 54 card had a 2 p.m. start time, meaning Andrews’ main event began around 5 p.m., a big change from the usual midnight or later spotlight. “It was different. It changes the weight cut but overall I loved it. I usually train at the gym at exactly 5-6 p.m. so my body was very used to it.”
At 15-1 with a nine-fight winning streak, a lightweight title, and 15 finishes on his resume, we are all asking the same question, what more does Nate Andrews need to do to get that call from Dana White?
“I try not to focus on it. I live in the moment. I know I deserve to be there but I can’t drive myself crazy thinking ‘when will it be?'” The 34-year-old believes he has done more than enough to be picked up, but understands why it hasn’t happened yet. “155 has so much talent, so much depth, so it feels like it is almost off-limits for new folks.”
It is not only the depth of the 155 division that is keeping Andrews from the UFC ranks. “Even with the depth, if I was put up as a late replacement option, what would you take? Joe Shmoe who is 8-3 with some decision wins maybe one TKO or Nate Andrews: CES champion, 15 finishes, 15-1 overall, most people will take the easier fight on late notice.”
Although it must be tough to not get the call with his dominant streak and stacked resume, Andrews reassured that he has loved every second of this journey. “I’ll get there man. For now, I’m going to keep fighting, keep winning, we will see how things work out.”
The longtime CES fighter is forever grateful for the support and fans he has garnered on the CES stage. “CES is amazing, some great fighters, great organization, and the fans are something special, ride-or-die type people.”
Nate Andrews has done it all, except go to decision. 10 wins via submission, 5 via KO/TKO. Andrews believes without his training at Tri-Force MMA and NE Boxing & Fitness, none of this could happen inside the cage.
“I have some amazing people around me, some people that have helped me get here. I travel too, get some great work in with Joe [Lauzon] and all the guys over there [at Lauzon MMA]. They come to Tri-Force as well, so we all get great work in.”
Many of Lauzon MMA’s stable are of the same management as Nate Andrews: Top Game Management. This allows him to build relationships with great fighters from not only his gym but all over. This includes current UFC fighters such as Rob Font, Calvin Kattar, Kyle Bochniak, and more.
“We all started around the same time. They got their opportunity before I did, but I learn from them, they keep me positive.” Andrews believes working with these fighters not only continues to grow his game, but keeps his hopes always high and head up. “You know they say it to me all the time, ‘I’ve been there,’ they know I’m going to get the call, they know how good my resume is.”
“It’s not my time for a reason, when my time comes, it’ll be a path to success.”
At 34, Andrews knows while still in his prime, age comes at us all quickly. “I’m 34, I want to make some more money doing this so we are weighing all the options.”
While the UFC may be the end goal of his journey, if they continue to lack appreciation for “The Snake” then other organizations may jump the gun and pick up the 155-pound CES champion. “I’ve always wanted to fight in the UFC, but I am 34, so my team and I are going to look at all options, lots of successful organizations out there.”
I asked Andrews if there was anything you could personally say to Dana White what would it be:
“That I’m ready, and I’d be a fan favorite. I fight for finishes, just look at my record, look at names I’ve beaten. Just give me the shot and I’ll do the rest of the work. I hope one day soon someone looks at my record and says ‘I’ll fight this guy, let’s do it.'”
