Kris Moutinho is set to make his return to the UFC this Saturday. He first gained widespread attention in 2021 when he stepped in on short notice to face Sean O’Malley in a memorable clash that was awarded Fight of the Night. However, his initial run was brief; after losing to O`Malley and subsequently to Guido Cannetti eight months later, he was released from the promotion.
Despite being celebrated for his exciting fighting style, the 32-year-old bantamweight revealed he was going through significant personal difficulties during that time.
Speaking at the UFC Atlanta media day, Moutinho candidly shared, I was going through a really tough period with relationships and everything else in my life; I was just a mess.
He added, I was very close to ending it, ending everything and being done.
He continued, describing it as one of the worst times in my life,
but credited his current girlfriend with helping him through it. I found the girl I’m with now, my beautiful girlfriend, she saved me. Saved my life. Helped me find God a lot better and I’m just in a better place.
While grateful for his initial UFC opportunity, Moutinho acknowledged that his mindset at the time was not conducive to achieving success in the organization.
After his release, Moutinho refocused on the regional scene, building an impressive record of five consecutive wins, including four finishes. He wasn`t actively lobbying for a UFC return, but when the opportunity arose to face highly-regarded prospect Malcolm Wellmaker this Saturday, he eagerly accepted.
Moutinho stated, I feel like I’m where God put me, where I’m supposed to be.
He believes his current self is the fighter who should have been in the UFC back in 2021 – someone mentally focused
and who genuinely enjoys this stuff again.
He contrasted this with his earlier mindset: Back then, I was just going through the motions and I was happy to be here but I was kind of just happy to be here.
Now, he asserts, I’m not that guy no more. I don’t care. I’m coming to kill. I’m coming to knock him out. He has to kill me to get me out of there.
Moutinho`s perspective on combat sports has significantly evolved in recent years, and he anticipates this shift will be evident in his octagon performance.
In his previous UFC bouts, Moutinho admitted his primary focus was entertaining the crowd, which led to exciting fights but resulted in two losses. He aims to change that against Wellmaker, balancing his exciting style with a focus on victory.
He reflected on the physical and mental toll: This sport in the 12 years, 13 years that I’ve been doing it, it’s taken a lot from me.
Paradoxically, he finds caring less I guess about this sport
has somehow freed me to enjoy it more
in training and fighting. He`s returned to Mixing the game,
like when he started.
Moutinho admitted, I got a little too punch crazy… enjoyed it a little too much,
which didn’t pan out well
previously. He`s since opening my game up,
addressing past weaknesses to become a more complete fighter now.
Intriguingly, his comeback fight echoes his UFC debut: he`s again stepping in on short notice to face a highly-touted prospect.
While grateful for the fan reception after the O`Malley bout, Moutinho is focused on securing a different result in his return.
Describing the situation as a little bit déjà vu,
Moutinho noted the parallels: It’s pretty much the same thing that happened last time. I’m fighting a tall, lanky good striker on nine days’ notice.
However, he stressed his personal growth: I’m a different person than I was then. I’m a lot older, a lot more at peace with myself and where I’m at in life. Hopefully it’s going to be a better show.
Regarding Wellmaker, he commented, I think Malcolm’s a great fighter. He’s 9-0 for a reason.
He described Wellmaker as powerful, a counter-striker, and skilled in wrestling and grappling, capable of do[ing] everything.
Moutinho`s plan is to put pressure, control the pace of the fight and use my wrestling here and there and do what I’m supposed to do.
Entering fight week with a focused demeanor, Moutinho is appreciative of this second opportunity but feels this is his true introduction to the UFC.
Despite his 0-2 UFC record, Moutinho is confident he will showcase a significantly different fighter against Wellmaker.
Expressing his determined mindset for the bout, Moutinho stated, You’re in my way and I have to put you down and that’s the only way it’s going to be.
He concluded, I’ve been saying this to myself, I am inevitable. My time is inevitable. I’m here for a reason. I got back for a reason. There’s no stopping me.
