TUF Champion Efrain Escudero Continues Long Road Back

Source: MMA Mania

Efrain Escudero was known as an up-and-coming UFC superstar in 2010, sporting a 3-1 record inside the Octagon and holding the trophy as The Ultimate Fighter winner.

But, a loss to Charles Oliveira, coupled with a missed weigh-in for the fight, sent him out of the UFC and looking to compete in smaller promotions around the U.S.

Escudero has gone 4-1 in the last year, and now takes his career over to England as a fighter with the BAMMA organization.

Recently, Escudero sat down with MMA Mania for an exclusive interview detailing his career, his upcoming fight in the U.K. and several other subjects.

The 25-year-old defeated Phillipe Nover in late 2008 to earn the title of The Ultimate Fighter. He followed that up with a win over Cole Miller before being stopped by Evan Dunham. Just a few short months later, though, Escudero rebounded by taking out Dan Lauzon.

Escudero's upcoming fight with Tim Radcliffe will be for the BAMMA lightweight title, and, will also be the first time he has competed outside of the U.S.

"The thing is, I'm not fighting the crowd, I'm fighting Tim Radcliffe. I've done my studies and I've trained really hard for him. When I step into the cage, the fans and everybody there won't matter. They'll just be enjoying the fights and I'm going to provide some entertainment," Escudero said.

Radcliffe is a submission specialist, but Escudero isn't focusing on him in training.

"I'm not really too focused on him, I'm more training everything," Escudero said. "I'm training for a war to be a complete fighter, a mixed martial artist. I feel comfortable with my hands, I feel comfortable on the ground. I'm comfortable with my jiu-jitsu, my wrestling, everything. I feel comfortable."

His current contract with BAMMA is for three fights to be completed over the next year. Escudero hopes the UFC will be calling for him if he has a successful trip to England.

"I think I'm ready and I'm ready to be back and start moving up that divisional ladder again," Escudero said. "That's my future goal."

BAMMA 7 will feature a strong card along with the Escudero fight. Jim Wallhead will meet Frank Trigg in the main event, while Paul Daley takes on Jordan Radev. BAMMA 7 is set for September 10 from Birmingham, England.