When Kevin Navarro dreams, he sees himself competing in the UFC.
Some day, it may happen. For now, images of the UFC rolling into his native Lima for a card that features himself and other Peruvian talent just live in his head. But with an undefeated record that continues to grow, Navarro (11-0) thinks he’s oh-so-close to combining dream and reality.
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“To keep winning and to make it to the big leagues, the UFC,” Navarro recently told MMA Junkie Radio in Spanish. “That’s been my goal for a while. … (An event in Peru) would be tremendous. It would be huge. They’d come from all the different provinces, like the rural areas of Peru, not just from within the city of Lima, which is the big, big capital in Peru. It would just be like a big bomb hitting the event. It would kick off really, really nicely.”
UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby handles the signings for the featherweight division, where Navarro competes. While Navarro is focused solely on what he can control, which would include winning his Jan. 28 bout vs. Maycon Alcino (14-7-1) at Inka 53, he’s also hoping he can convince Shelby to give him a shot.
“UFC, don’t hesitate,” Navarro said. “You’ve got a fighter here in Peru who loves to fight and put on a show. I got the Inka bloodline inside of me. I’m a warrior, and I’m ready to show off all my talents, including this show upcoming where I’m going to go for the knockout. But please holler at me. I am ready to go at any point at any time.”
The UFC is his ultimate dream. He won’t lie. However, seeing the success both competitively and monetarily that his teammate Jesus Pinedo has had in PFL, Navarro would entertain an offer from that promotion as well.
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“Of course I’d like to fight in the UFC, but I am open to fighting in the PFL, where my teammates and champion Jesus Pinedo competes,” Navarro said. “I would have no problem fighting there. It’s also a big league. But I can’t lie, I think it’s everyone’s dream to eventually fight in the UFC. That’s my primary goal. It will all have to do with how my coach Ivan ‘The Pitbull’ Iberico determines and I’ll listen.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Kevin Navarro aims to be next Peruvian star – whether UFC or PFL
