Adrian Yanez

Yanez ended a hugely successful amateur career with four consecutive TKO’s, turning over to the pro game with a perfect 6-0 record. His professional debut came in March of 2014 at just 20 years old, and ended in the same way most of his amateur fights had, with Yanez victorious by TKO. He suffered his first defeat in his very next bout, having no answer for the wrestling and ground and pound of Levi Mowles, losing via unanimous decision. The Texan recovered with two victories in Fury FC, and then won his Bellator debut on the preliminary card of Royce Gracie’s win over long time rival Ken Shamrock at Bellator 149. Yanez then dropped a razor thin split decision to current UFC bantamweight Domingo Pilarte at LFA 7. Two more wins for the company earnt him a shot at the vacant LFA Bantamweight Champion against another current UFC fighter in Miles Johns at LFA 55, and yet again Yanez was on the wrong end of a close split decision loss. Two stoppage wins over Warren Stewart and Michael Rodriguez and then a career best win over fellow prospect Kyle Estrada at LFA 78 led to the 26 year old finally getting a chance at the big time, featuring on Dana White's Contender Series 28. Yanez finally put everything together, showcasing his superb boxing in a 40 second master class TKO over the dangerous Brady Huang, earning a UFC contract in the process.[6][7]

Yanez was scheduled to make his UFC debut against Aaron Phillips on October 31, 2020 at UFC Fight Night: Hall vs. Silva.[8] However on October 20, Phillips pulled out due to an undisclosed injury.[9] Instead, Yanez faced promotional newcomer Victor Rodriguez.[10] Yanez won the bout via head kick knockout in the first round.[11] This win earned him Performance Fight of the Night award.[12]

Yanez faced Gustavo Lopez on March 20, 2021 at UFC on ESPN: Brunson vs. Holland.[13] He won the fight via walkoff knockout in round three.[14] This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.[15]

Yanez faced Randy Costa at UFC on ESPN: Sandhagen vs. Dillashaw on July 24, 2021.[16] After getting dominated in the first round, Yanez rallied back in the second round winning by technical knockout.[17] This fight earned him the Performance of the Night award.[18]

As the first bout of his new four-fight contract, Yanez faced Davey Grant on November 20, 2021 at UFC Fight Night 198.[19][20] He won the bout via split decision, although 12 of 12 media scores gave it to Yanez.[21][22] The bout earned both fighters the Fight of the Night award.[23]