Former Bellator welterweight Dante Schiro’s significant victory over Ray Cooper III was overshadowed by a viral incident involving Sean Strickland at Tuff-N-Uff 145, yet Schiro remains hopeful for a UFC opportunity.
Former Bellator welterweight Dante Schiro had a career-defining moment in June, stopping multi-time PFL champ Ray Cooper III at Tuff-N-Uff 145. Yet, Sean Strickland’s viral antics stole the spotlight.
Since leaving Bellator, Schiro is 3-0 and eyeing the UFC. Normally, defeating Cooper would be the highlight of any non-UFC event. But Luis Hernandez’s trash talk and subsequent altercation with Strickland and Chris Curtis overshadowed everything.
Two fights later, Schiro’s big moment came, but it didn’t get the buzz it deserved. “I think so, but I guess you never know,” Schiro told MMA Fighting. The sport’s focus on entertainment often eclipses pure skill.
“There were three great matchups after, and they were all good fights,” Schiro noted. “Exciting things happened, but everyone asks about the crazy moment.”
Schiro was preparing for his pivotal matchup, focused and ready. Then, chaos erupted on the arena floor.
“Pretty much right away,” Schiro recalled. “It wasn’t like fight cheers… I didn’t really give a shit.”
Strickland’s cage jump was unexpected. Schiro stayed focused, peeking around the corner to ensure things didn’t escalate further.
He remembered a similar delay before fighting Neiman Gracie. “We got down there… then waited two and a half hours. Crazy.”
Before beating Cooper, Schiro submitted ex-UFC fighter AJ Fletcher at LFA 195. At 31, he’s on the UFC’s radar, ready for any opportunity.
“I’m ready,” Schiro said. Whether it’s the Contender Series or short notice, he’s prepared. It’s all about timing and connections.
Next, he’s heading to Vegas with Neil Magny, helping corner him at UFC Vegas 108. Another chance to gain experience and seize opportunities.