When Daniel Marcos’ name popped up as a participant in the latest season of Contender Series, some prospect pundits had questions. There were loads of deserving prospects sprinkled throughout the world, and it seemed odd that a Peruvian fighter with nearly a three year gap would be getting a shot. He quickly proved any doubters wrong by piecing up Brandon Lewis for 15 straight minutes, earning himself a contract in the process.
While it may have come as a surprise to people who only looked at the superficial portion of Marcos’ record, he knew the work that went into that moment and all the moments that will come from it.
“I was inactive, but I never stopped training. Everything shut down in South America, but I’m a fighter. I’ve always been hungry,” Marcos explained through an interpretor. “My dream was to make it to the UFC, and not only be in the UFC, but to be a champion.”
He explained that the layoff had nothing to do with injuries, but instead the tight restrcitions on training and competing in South American. This became the catalyst for moving to the United States to resume his training.
“Throughout COVID, since it started, I was inactive for about two years until I ended up going to the United States to start my training camp,” he sharred. “That was last January – I started training at American Combat Gym.”
Since moving, he’s found the support of his new team is taking him to the highest level. Whether it’s the coaching and staff or his new roomate Charles Rosa, Marcos knows his squad is right there for him.
“Over there I met a group of coaches who had my back and worked with me throughout the whole way. I’ve got people around me who fully support me that are always with me – helping me out in my training camp and outside my training camp,” Marcos said.
With the right team behind him and the circumstances changed, Marcos is ready to make up for that time away. He’s ready to prove anyone with any doubt left that he’s for real and he’s here to make noise.
“That’s what I’m here for. This is just the beginning,” he said. “You can expect only great things from me.”
Marcos takes the first step towards those great things when he takes on Saimon Oliveira this weekend at UFC 283. That fight takes place on the ESPN+ prelims starting at 6pm EST.
You can hear the entire audio of this interview below at 28:35.
