Guilherme Pat, after overcoming multiple U.S. visa denials, is set to make his UFC debut against Allen Frye at UFC Vegas 112, bringing his undefeated record and determination to the octagon.
Guilherme Pat is set to make his octagon debut this Saturday at UFC Vegas 112. He’ll face fellow undefeated heavyweight Allen Frye at the UFC APEX. But getting here wasn’t easy; his toughest battle was for a visa.
Pat initially got a shot at Dana White’s Contender Series this year. He agreed to fight Anthony Guarascio on September 9. However, his first visit to the U.S. consulate in Brazil ended in disappointment. Visa denied.
Undeterred, he tried again weeks later. Same result. No visa, despite having a signed contract. The UFC had to replace him on the DWCS card. Yet, instead of returning to the regional circuit, Pat got a direct offer to fight Frye on December 13.
Third time wasn’t the charm either. The consulate denied his visa again without explanation. Frustrating, right? But Pat didn’t back down. He gave up everything to focus on fighting. Moved to Sao Paulo, lived in a fighter’s dorm. No steady job, no fixed salary. Just training.
He wasn’t ready to quit. So, he went back to the consulate. The woman there asked why he was back so soon. Pat explained the UFC was pushing for his visa. He assured her he wasn’t moving to the U.S. permanently. Just a fight. It worked. Visa approved.
Pat’s professional record stands at 5-0, with only one decision. Early in his career, he faced setbacks, breaking his hand twice. But now, at 31, he feels in his prime entering the UFC.
Frye, his opponent, is also undefeated. A 100 percent finish rate in six fights, four in the first round. Pat admits he doesn’t know much about Frye, a Derek Brunson protégé. Not much footage to study.
“I saw he knocked out everyone he faced,” Pat said. “He’s fast for a heavyweight. I think it’s going to be a good fight. My experience and style will be key. It’ll be striking — unless he feels my hand. The plan is to gauge the fight’s start, see what he brings, and then impose my game.” Exciting stuff!