Lando Vannata Says Win is ‘Massive’ for His Confidence, Wants to Fight Twice More in 2020

Lando Vannata desperately needed to take home a victory Saturday night at UFC Rio Rancho and he did exactly that. The next goal is to put together a winning streak as 2020 progresses.

Vannata (11-4-2) came into the UFC with a head of steam and those who follow the MMA prospects scene and watch as many lower-tier events as possible knew he was capable of making some noise at the highest level. However, “Groovy” has yet to establish himself as a consistent lightweight talent inside the Octagon. He’s gone just 3-4-2 since signing to the UFC and he has yet to win back-to-back bouts for the organization.

On Saturday in his adopted home state, Vannata got back in the win column by toppling Yancy Medeiros via unanimous decision over three rounds. The fight itself wasn’t as exciting as many were expecting, but with both fighters having such odd, awkward attacking styles, the matchup was bound to be a tactical affair or a crazy shootout. The tussle wound up being the former, but at least for Vannata, he prevailed.

“Getting this win is massive for my confidence and reminds me that I am what I think I am and that I belong here on the big stage,” he said after his win. “I thought I was going to get a finish here tonight. I’ve seen him finished before and I really thought I could put him away. He tough, he’s durable, he’s funky with weird defense, he was a great opponent and I’m happy with how it played out.”

Vannata recently left Jackson-Wink MMA and joined Jackson’s MMA Acoma Gym. Greg Jackson owns the building and rents to the current tenants, but he doesn’t have anything to with the training of the fighters, such as Vannata. It’s a move that Vannata said has helped his career. Being able to avoid the travel that usually comes with fight week was an added bonus come Saturday.

“I loved fighting here at home,” he said. “I woke up this morning in my own bed, I was cuddled up with my dog, I ran sprints in my front yard. It was like another day of training, it was great.”

Next on the agenda for “Groovy” is finding enough consistency to put together a winning streak. An active year against top-notch competition should provide more than enough motivation for Vannata to continue to succeed.

“I want to fight at least twice more, preferably [against] a big name,” he said. “That’s when I thrive, that’s what makes me happy and brings out the best in me. Guys who have built a name for themselves and guys who I think are very good. Whoever the UFC decides is good with me. Twice more this year and really establish myself in this division again.”