After earning UFC deal at DWCS 36, Tucker Lutz says his future lies at 145 pounds

LAS VEGAS —Despite finding success at lightweight, Tucker Lutz is looking to return to his original home.

Lutz (11-1), who’s currently riding an 11-fight winning streak, earned a UFC contract by defeating formerly unbeaten Sherrard Blackledge via unanimous decision at Dana White’s Contender Series 36 at the UFC Apex.

Though he has no timetable for his UFC debut due to a nagging cartilage issue in his chest, Lutz is planning to drop down to featherweight, where he spent a good portion of his early career.

“Most of my professional fights have actually been down at ’45, and I’ve been walking around significantly lighter, so I think that’ll be the move,” Lutz told reporters, including MMA Junkie, at the post-fight press conference. “I’ve really gotta address this injury that I have, so I’m gonna be getting an MRI when I get back home to Baltimore and go from there. But I think my future is honestly at ’45 from here on out.”

The second time was the charm for Lutz, who failed to secure a UFC contract two months ago, when he defeated Chase Gibson via unanimous decision at Dana White’s Contender Series 31.

This time around, Lutz vowed to accept whatever outcome he was presented, a mentality which paid off for him at the end.

“I was nervous, but it was a dog fight I thought,” Lutz said. “It was a grindy fight which I don’t prefer, but they’re fun every now and again so I was at peace with what happened, whether I got the contract or not. It was a good showing.”