Luis Saldaña (born January 27, 1991) is an American mixed martial artist who competed in the Featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
| Luis Saldaña | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 27, 1991 Des Moines, Iowa, U.S. |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) |
| Weight | 145 lb (66 kg; 10 st 5 lb) |
| Division | Featherweight |
| Reach | 73 in (185 cm)[1] |
| Fighting out of | Phoenix, Arizona |
| Team | Fight Ready |
| Years active | 2011–present |
| Mixed martial arts record | |
| Total | 24 |
| Wins | 16 |
| By knockout | 9 |
| By submission | 5 |
| By decision | 2 |
| Losses | 7 |
| By knockout | 1 |
| By submission | 2 |
| By decision | 4 |
| Draws | 1 |
| Other information | |
| Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog | |
Background
Having his first boxing match at eight years old, he was introduced to the sport by his father. He the Iowa Silver Gloves three times and the 2009 Iowa Golden Gloves.[2]
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
Saldaña compiled a 14–6 record on the regional scene, with some highlights being capturing the Ascendancy FC Featherweight Title after anocking out Will Shutt with a high kick in the first round and winning the TFS Featherweight title vagainst Ramiro Hernandez via doctor stoppage. His regional career culminated in a rear-naked choke victory in the second round against Carl Wittstock at LFA 60.[3][4]
Saldaña was invited to compete at Dana White's Contender Series 34 against Vince Murdock on November 4, 2020. He won the bout via third-round technical knockout and was awarded a contract with the UFC.[5]
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Saldaña made his debut against Jordan Griffin on April 10, 2021 at UFC on ABC 2.[6] He won the bout via controversial unanimous decision.[7] 16 out of 18 media scores gave it to Griffin.[8]
In his sophomore performance, Saldaña faced Austin Lingo on August 21, 2021 at UFC on ESPN: Cannonier vs. Gastelum.[9] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[10]
Saldaña faced Bruno Souza on March 26, 2022 at UFC on ESPN 33.[11] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[12]
Saldaña faced Sean Woodson on August 20, 2022 at UFC 278.[13] The bout was scored a split draw.[14]
On March 13, 2024, it was announced that Saldana was released from UFC.[15]
Championships and accomplishments
- Ascendancy FC
- Ascendancy FC Featherweight Championship (One time)
- Two successful title defenses
- Ascendancy FC Featherweight Championship (One time)
- The Fight Series
- TFS Featherweight Championship (One time)
Mixed martial arts record
| 25 matches | 17 wins | 7 losses |
| By knockout | 9 | 1 |
| By submission | 6 | 2 |
| By decision | 2 | 4 |
| Draws | 1 | |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Draw | 16–7–1 | Sean Woodson | Draw (split) | UFC 278 | August 20, 2022 | 3 | 5:00 | Salt Lake City, Utah, United States | Saldaña was deducted one point in round 1 due to an illegal knee. |
| Win | 16–7 | Bruno Souza | Decision (unanimous) | UFC on ESPN: Blaydes vs. Daukaus | March 26, 2022 | 3 | 5:00 | Columbus, Ohio, United States | |
| Loss | 15–7 | Austin Lingo | Decision (unanimous) | UFC on ESPN: Cannonier vs. Gastelum | August 21, 2021 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 15–6 | Jordan Griffin | Decision (unanimous) | UFC on ABC: Vettori vs. Holland | April 10, 2021 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 14–6 | Vince Murdock | TKO (punches) | Dana White's Contender Series 34 | November 4, 2020 | 3 | 0:44 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 13–6 | Carl Wittstock | Technical Submission (rear-naked choke) | LFA 60 | February 15, 2019 | 2 | 4:38 | Clive, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 12–6 | Ramiro Hernandez | TKO (doctor stoppage) | The Fight Series | May 18, 2018 | 2 | 5:00 | West Des Moines, Iowa, United States | Won the TFS Featherweight Championship. |
| Win | 11–6 | Will Shutt | TKO (head kick) | Ascendancy FC 16 | March 24, 2018 | 1 | 3:33 | Clive, Iowa, United States | Defended the Ascendancy FC Featherweight Championship. |
| Loss | 10–6 | Alex Wiggs Jr. | Decision (unanimous) | Brutaal Genesis Iowa: Fight Night at Hy-Vee Hall | July 28, 2017 | 3 | 5:00 | Des Moines, Iowa, United States | |
| Loss | 10–5 | Mike Santiago | TKO (punches) | RFA 39 | June 17, 2016 | 3 | 2:27 | Hammond, Indiana, United States | |
| Win | 10–4 | Chris Mickle | TKO (retirement) | Ascendancy FC 9 | April 29, 2016 | 1 | 1:07 | Clive, Iowa, United States | Defended the Ascendancy FC Featherweight Championship. |
| Win | 9–4 | Dyllon Muniz | KO (punch) | Ascendancy FC 8 | February 13, 2016 | 1 | 0:53 | Clive, Iowa, United States | Won the Ascendancy FC Featherweight Championship. |
| Loss | 8–4 | Anthony Baccam | Submission (rear-naked choke) | MCC 61 | November 25, 2015 | 3 | 1:31 | Des Moines, Iowa, United States | Return to Featherweight. |
| Loss | 8–3 | Damien Childress | Decision (unanimous) | Pinnacle Combat 17 | October 4, 2014 | 3 | 5:00 | Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 8–2 | Sekou Moore | Submission (triangle choke) | MCC 52 | March 7, 2014 | 2 | 2:34 | Des Moines, Iowa, United States | |
| Loss | 7–2 | Justin Lawrence | Decision (unanimous) | RFA 10 | October 25, 2013 | 3 | 5:00 | Des Moines, Iowa, United States | Featherweight bout. |
| Win | 7–1 | Prentiss Wolf | TKO (submission to punches) | MCC 48 | June 14, 2013 | 1 | 1:51 | Des Moines, Iowa, United States | Lightweight debut. |
| Win | 6–1 | Mitch Parker | Submission (triangle choke) | MCC 47 | April 12, 2013 | 1 | 3:15 | Des Moines, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 5–1 | Nic Cox | TKO (submission to punches) | MCC 45 | January 25, 2013 | 1 | 0:50 | Des Moines, Iowa, United States | |
| Loss | 4–1 | Tom Ahrens | Submission (rear-naked choke) | MCC 41 | June 16, 2012 | 1 | 2:18 | Des Moines, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 4–0 | Zakk Smith | TKO (punches) | MCC 38 | January 27, 2012 | 3 | 4:15 | Des Moines, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 3–0 | Jose Colon | KO (punch) | MCC 36 | September 23, 2011 | 2 | 3:58 | Des Moines, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 2–0 | Orlando Peace | Submission (rear-naked choke) | MCC 34 | June 24, 2011 | 1 | 3:56 | Des Moines, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 1–0 | Daraughn Canada | Submission (armbar) | MCC 32 | March 4, 2011 | 2 | 2:13 | Des Moines, Iowa, United States | Featherweight debut. |