Ignacio Bahamondes (11-3) has competed across 155 and 170 lbs. but the one constant in his career is he ALWAYS has the height advantage. 6’3 is how tall the 23-year-old stands, tying the UFC record for tallest Lightweight and Welterweight fighter. “La Jaula” is a Contender Series veteran who returns to the same octagon in Sin City where he earned his contract for UFC Vegas 23.
Ignacio was born in Chile’s Capital, Santiago back in 1997. Martial arts ran through his blood from the onset, his father was a professional fighter who founded his own school in Santiago. Papa Bahamondes introduced Ignacio to the fight game at a very young age and he took right to it. Upon turning to fighting full-time, he even adopted his father’s nickname “La Jaula”, English for “the cage”, to carry on the Bahamondes legacy in MMA.
Bahamondes ventured stateside to find the best coaching America could offer, first finding MMA hotbed Miami, Florida. He began his professional career on the regional scene at just age 19. After jumping out to a 4-2 record Ignacio turned in his flip-flops for a winter jacket, moving onwards and upwards to Chicago, Illinois.
“La Jaula” found his new home Valle Flow Striking in nearby Chicago suburb, Addison, training alongside UFC Featherweight contender Yair Rodriguez. He’s been there ever since and results show how it’s paid off for the Chilean to the tune of a 7-1 record. Now at 11-3, Ignacio is fresh from his highlight reel Contender Series KO courtesy of a walk-off front kick to the face. Bahamondes returns to the octagon at the Apex Center five months later to face John “The Bull” Makdessi (17-7) at Welterweight. It all goes down Saturday, 4/10, at UFC Vegas 23, prelims kick off at a special early time 12 PM ET.
Ignacio “La Jaula” Bahamondes | 11-3 | 6’3 155 lbs. | Age 23 | Reach 76” | Switch Stance | Fighting Out of Chicago, Illinois
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