At the time, fighters on regional scene in the UK tended to stick around in the hopes of landing a beginner contract that may turn lucrative. But with limited purses available at the time, he decided to join up with the American promotion, where he spent the following 11 years. Now, having just turned 41, he has one last chance at landing a glorious spot in history.
And with the heavyweight division across the sport wide open as UFC struggles to crown a definitive champion after Francis Ngannou, he could end his career atop the division, and vindicate a decades-old decision. Linton Vassell has path to the top of MMA’s heavyweight division in new-look PFL When joined , it would have been a considerably better offer financially than regional British promotions, who may have eventually led him to the UFC. He has since had a number of ups and downs, and now in his 40s has just a handful more fights left to solidify his legacy.
He competes in this year’s heavyweight tournament, and after losing his initial outing will need a quick-fire win against Valentin Moldavsky in order to progress. Should he manage it, he heads to the playoffs, and potentially the $1million championship in November. Should he win that tournament, he could set himself up to face the winner of the eventual super-fight between and last year’s winner Renan Ferreira.
And with the UFC’s heavyweight division in limbo as Jon Jones holds up the undisputed belt and Tom Aspinall is forced to defend his interim .