Carlos Leal outdueled Chidi Njokuani at UFC Houston. |
Getty/UFC
When he entered the Octagon this past Saturday to face Chidi
Njokuani on the last fight of his
UFC contract, Carlos Leal
knew there was only one possible path: to win, and in a convincing
way.
“I knew that my future depended on my performance, so I entered
that Octagon thinking, no matter what happens, I can bleed, break
myself, but I will keep moving forward in search of the knockout,”
Leal told Sherdog.com.
Leal, who defeated Njokuani via unanimous decision in their
welterweight bout at
UFC Houston, revealed that he broke his hand during the
fight.
“It was right at the beginning of the second round. I was sure I
had broken it when I landed a second punch to his head that got him
dizzy,” Leal said. “Even in a lot of pain, I kept punching him with
the broken hand. I fought like I was fighting for my life, and it
was worth it.”
The Brazilian left the Octagon certain that he had secured his
contract renewal and had hopes of receiving a $100,000 performance
bonus, as well. The bonus didn’t come, but the news of the renewal
arrived on Tuesday night.
“Man, me and my team celebrated a lot,” he said. “Definitely worth
all the effort.”
Surgery on the Horizon
As soon as he arrived in Paraná, Carlos told Sherdog that he had
undergone imaging tests and was advised by his orthopedist to have
surgery.
“Actually he told me I could immobilize it, but it would take
longer, so I opted for surgery to return as soon as possible. We’re
going to schedule the surgery for next week. I want to fight two or
three more times in 2026,” Leal said.
The Thai Brasil athlete is certain that he will soon reach the top
of the division.
“I will prove this not only by winning, but by delivering great
fights,” he said.
Asked to choose an opponent for his return to the octagon, the
Brazilian immediately pointed to Daniel
Rodriguez, who is currently 15th in the UFC rankings.
“Not only because he is ranked, but I am sure that his style would
provide a great fight,” Leal said. “But I will be ready to fight
whoever the UFC wants.”
Leal also weighed in on the most difficult matchup for reigning
welterweight champion Islam
Makhachev.
“I think Ian Garry is
a complicated matchup for the champion. In addition to using his
reach very well and his superior striking, he defends takedowns
well and has great grappling,” Leal said.
A disciple of the legendary Fabio Noguchi, formed in the first
generation of Chute Boxe, Leal pointed to Alex
Pereira as his favorite striker in UFC.
“Not for everything he did, but also for beating some of the
toughest guys in two divisions, making it look easy,” Leal said. “I
truly believe he will capture his third UFC belt — knocking out
Ciryl
Gane and making it look easy once again.”