After Recent LFA Triumph, Carlos Leal Miranda Dreams of Receiving UFC Deal

Carlos Leal Miranda delivered one of the biggest highlights at LFA 187 this past Saturday, when he defeated Manuel Mena via first-round technical knockout in a Brazil vs. Latin America-themed event.

After the victory, Leal revealed to Sherdog that he wants to fight for the LFA welterweight title he once held, but his real dream is to compete in the UFC.

“I showed in this fight that I am already at the level of fighting in the biggest event in the world against the best in the world,” the former Professional Fighters League talent said. “In fact, I didn't lose the LFA belt, I left it vacant when I went to the PFL. The ideal for me is to compete for the title again here at LFA. If the invitation to fight in the UFC doesn't come, I'm going to wait.”

Leal also revealed the reason why he departed from the PFL after losing to Sadibou Sy in the 2023 postseason.

“The PFL is a very good organization,” he said. “I grew and matured as a man and athlete fighting there and I can only thank the promotion. But when I did my first season and didn't win because of [decision loss to Sy], I sat down and talked to my coach and manager and we decided that I would try another season. If I couldn't win, we would look for other paths and that's what we did after the split-decision loss to Sadibou Sy.”

The Brazilian is confident that if he were to receive a UFC contract, it wouldn’t take long for him to make an impact in the welterweight division.

“I follow the promotion. I know the big names in my division and I have no doubt, not only am I ready to be in the UFC, but also to prove that I am among the best in the category,” Leal said. “I just need the opportunity.”