Croatia has a UFC fighter again after 8 years
- by croatiaweek
- in Sport
Ivan Erslan (Photo: Instagram/Ivan Ersland)
After more than eight years, Croatia has a new fighter in the roster of the world’s premier MMA organisation the UFC.
Ivan Erslan (14-3) announced on social media that he has joined signed with the UFC.
”To my great satisfaction, I can finally announce that I have signed a four-fight contract with the UFC. My dreams have come true, and although it sometimes seemed so far away, God always had better plans for me than I could have made myself,” wrote the best Croatian light heavyweight.
He thanked his manager Ali Abdelaziz and his Dominance MMA management team, which he joined, as well as Magomed Ulamatov. Erslan also expressed his gratitude to Dražen Forgač.
“Big thanks to Forgy, who always put my interests ahead of his own, ensuring that everything worked out for the best and to our mutual satisfaction,” the 32-year-old from Obrovac highlighted, before adding.
“I am currently in the best place, at American Top Team (headquarters in Coconut Creek, Florida) to prepare for what’s next. News about my fight is coming soon, and I can’t wait to announce which big name I will be fighting. I promise you that I will always represent our homeland with pride and will give my all to leave the cage with my hand raised. See you soon in the cage.”
The last time Croatia had a male fighter in the UFC was at UFC Fight Night 86 in Zagreb Arena, when Filip Pejić fought Damian Stasiak,
The news of Erslan signing with the UFC came somewhat unexpectedly.
After his knockout victory over Bogdan Gnidko at the KSW Epic event in late February this year, Ivan emerged as the most logical choice for the next contender for the light heavyweight title in the KSW.
Erslan’s contract with KSW expired, and instead of renewing it, he signed with FNC and was supposed to fight at FNC 18 in Pula. Instead, his fighting journey now continues in the UFC.
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To recap, previous Croatian fighters who have competed under the banner of the world’s strongest MMA organisation include Mirko ‘Cro Cop’ Filipović, Igor Pokrajac, Goran Reljić, and Filip Pejić. American fighters of Croatian descent, Pat Miletich and Stipe Miocic, have also made a significant impact in the UFC octagon.
Erslan now continues the tradition of Croatian fighters, and he will represent Croatia on the biggest stage of the fighting world alongside Croatian female fighter Ivana Petrović.
