After COVID-19 put pursuit on hold, France’s David Bear eager for UFC opportunity

MMA News
After COVID-19 put pursuit on hold, France’s David Bear eager for UFC opportunity

When 2020 began, David Bear was on the UFC’s doorstep. He was on the verge of getting the biggest opportunity of his life. One more victory would potentially boost him into the most prominent organization in mixed martial arts.

Then, when COVID-19 struck, things changed. In order to continue his pursuit of martial arts, Bear, a welterweight, did something that seemed a little bit backward. He turned to his previous occupation in order to keep his MMA dream afloat. Unable to work as an MMA coach, Bear (9-1) needed a source of income.

“Because of the pandemic, I was unable to work as a coach, a job I’ve done since 2015, since the gyms were closed,” Bear recently told MMA Junkie. “I decided to work again as a civil engineer, which is a job I stopped doing in 2015 so I could focus all my attention on my fighting career. I finally found a job in September, and at the same time, I’ve done as much as I can to improve as an athlete and train at the highest level possible. My days are long, but I’m very grateful to be able to work and train hard.”

With high hopes that normalcy is around the corner, Bear is training to the max once again. The full focus is returning. Signed to Cage Warriors, Bear is eager to return to the promotion’s cage – or perhaps the UFC’s, should an offer come first.

“(Cage Warriors) are wanting me to fight on their big card in June,” Bear said. “… I don’t know who my next opponent will be, but I’m ready to face anyone in the division and put on a show for the fans. I’m ready to turn some heads.”

In January 2020, France began recognizing MMA as a sport. With his sport finally legalized and regulated in his home country, Bear hopes to be part of the UFC’s first event in France should it happen.

“I would be extremely proud to fight in France for the UFC, or Cage Warriors,” Bear said. “It would be an honor to represent the country at its first UFC card because that would be such a historic event. French MMA fans are long overdue for a show, so I’d love to deliver that to them, either with the UFC or Cage Warriors — whatever comes first (laughs).”

In order to fight on the UFC’s inaugural card in France, Bear needs to add those three letters to his resume. He’s not signed to the UFC yet, but thinks he’s close. According to Bear, he’s on the UFC’s short-list for impending welterweight signees.

“I love fighting for Cage Warriors, but I believe I’m very close (to the UFC),” Bear said. “My agent, Jason House at Iridium Sports Agency, nearly got us a short-notice opportunity recently, but sadly we didn’t have enough time to complete a required medical exam. I believe I’m very close. I just need to keep winning and show how hungry ‘The Bear’ is!”

After COVID-19 put pursuit on hold, France’s David Bear eager for UFC opportunity