Up-and-down Lando Vannata ready to stay up after UFC Rio Rancho win

RIO RANCHO, N.M. – Lando Vannata beat Yancy Medeiros with a unanimous decision Saturday to open up the main card at UFC on ESPN+ 25 in Rio Rancho, N.M.

Take a look inside the fight with Vannata, who got back in the win column and won a decision for the first time since 2013.

Result: Lando Vannata def. Yancy Medeiros via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Updated records: Vannata (11-4-2 MMA, 3-4-2 UFC), Medeiros (15-7 MMA, 6-7 UFC)
Key stat: Vannata outstruck Medeiros 100-68.

Vannata on the fight’s key moment

“Getting this win is massive for my confidence and reminds me that I am what I think I am and that I belong here on the big stage. I thought I was going to get a finish here tonight. I’ve seen him finished before and I really thought I could put him away. He’s tough, he’s durable, he’s funky with weird defense – he was a great opponent, and I’m happy with how it played out.”

Vannata on fighting at home

“I loved fighting here at home. I woke up this morning in my own bed, I was cuddled up with my dog, I ran sprints in my front yard. It was like another day of training, it was great.”

Vannata on what he wants next

“I want to fight at least twice more (in 2020), preferably (against a) big name. That’s when I thrive. That’s what makes me happy and brings out the best in me – guys who have built a name for themselves and guys who I think are very good. Whoever the UFC decides is good with me – twice more this year and really establish myself in this division again.”

To hear more from Vannata, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.