Tyson Nam both salty but grateful after end of UFC tenure, plans to continue MMA career

Tyson Nam is frustrated to see his UFC run come to an end after what he views as an unjust defeat, but is optimistic toward the future.

Nam (21-14-1 MMA, 3-5 UFC) parted ways with the promotion after he suffered a split decision loss to Azat Maksum at UFC on ESPN 49 in July. It was his third defeat in his past four fights, and from there the UFC brass decided the 39-year-old would no longer be on the roster.

It would be one thing if Nam felt he didn’t belong at the UFC level anymore. However, he pushed an undefeated prospect like Maksum to the brink over three rounds and felt he should’ve got the win on the scorecards, which makes it a difficult pill to swallow.

“The numbers on the stat sheet literally says I was more active round-by-round, I landed more and I still can’t come out with the nod from the judges,” Nam told MMA Junkie. “So it’s just a sh*tty feeling every which way. Not only is my bank account a little bit light, but I’m unemployed as well. That’s just how it is right now.

“I’m just sitting here confused, upset. There’s nothing I could do to change the outcome. I did literally everyone possible that I knew how to do since – I’ve been in the game for 17 years – how to win a fight. I literally changed that around and I still come out on the short end of the stick.”

After making his MMA debut in February 2006, Nam finally reached the pinnacle of the sport and made his UFC debut in September 2019. All three of his wins inside the octagon came by knockout, and he was only finished once in five defeats with the organization.

Some of his losses came to elite competition such as Sergio Pettis, Kai Kara-France and Matt Schnell, and rarely did he get blown out. To have his stint with the UFC come to an end in a fight he felt he won, is not easy.

“I knew that I need a win, I need to win very decisively and in a big fashion against a 16-0, undefeated, future flyweight champ of the UFC division,” Nam said. “I’m so salty, but at the same time I’m forever grateful to have been part of the UFC. That’s everyone’s dream to fight under the big lights and under the biggest MMA promotion ever created.”

The situation puts Nam at something of a crossroads. He turns 40 in October, and it’s not typical for flyweight fighters to thrive around that age. He’s not ready to hang up the gloves and retire yet, though, and Nam said he’s surveying his options going forward, with his ultimate hope being a UFC return – no matter the circumstances.

“I think I will continue (my career),” Nam said. “I know there’s a flyweight bout every weekend and if somebody gets injured I just hope I’ll be on the top of the list of Mick Maynard’s list to throw me in there on a short-notice fight.”