Outside Source
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.
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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.”
This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com
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