Marcelo Rojo feels it’s time for the big leagues.
The veteran Argentine fighter wants to test himself among the very best and take on UFC opposition. Rojo (16-6 MMA), who competes at bantamweight, is one of the most seasoned Hispanic fighters outside the UFC.
With more than 20 professional fights, Rojo has competed in Combate Americas, ACB and was also a cast member of Season 3 of “The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America,” where he competed at lightweight – two weight classes above his natural weight. Rojo made it to the semifinals, but lost to current UFC fighter Claudio Puelles.
Rojo is a free agent and is hoping to get signed by the UFC
“I left Combate Americas,” Rojo said in Spanish on Hablemos MMA. “My contract finished and I didn’t renew with them. I want to make the jump. I want to fight in the best promotions of the world, so it’s time to test that out.
“That chapter in Combate Americas is over and I want to compete in the UFC. I think I have everything to do it. I work with a great team, I train daily, and I’m not missing anything to be UFC ready. I want that opportunity and we’re working hard for it.”
Since leaving “TUF: Latin America” in 2016, Rojo switched camps to Entram gym in Tijuana, Mexico, training alongside UFC’s Brandon Moreno and Jose Quinonez. He went 6-2 for Combate Americas with all victories coming by stoppage.
Rojo is working on getting his work visa in the United States so he can hopefully sign with the UFC or be able to compete in U.S. promotions with visibility. He hopes to get his work visa in February.
“I have no problem fighting elsewhere,” Rojo said. “I need to hear out offers, see what’s most beneficial for me, and compete. I want to fight in the U.S. because the pay is better and the experience is much better for the future – because I do believe I can fight with the best, so let’s do it.”
“Pitbull” wants to compete at bantamweight, but has no problem taking fights at featherweight. Rojo thinks he’s UFC ready and is confident he can hang with some of the best at 135 pounds right from the start.
“The sport is very big now and it’s beautiful and all, but for me it’s still a fight,” Rojo said. “I’ve fought all my life and I feel very comfortable in that chaos. I hit very hard for the weight class, so I have no problem fighting anybody.
“I’m sure I can get in some tough battles, but that’s what every fighter wants, so your level can go up. But in the top 10, top 15 of the UFC, I feel very comfortable.”
Free agent Marcelo Rojo wants UFC shot: ‘I can fight with the best’
