Taylor Lapilus
Record: 15-3
Age: 27
Weight class: Bantamweight
Height: 5’6″
Birthplace: France
Next Fight: Dec. 14 vs. Mauro Chaulet (12-1) at ARES FC 1 in Dakar, Senegal
Background: [autotag]Taylor Lapilus[/autotag] has already competed at the highest level there is. His four-fight UFC tenure ended in surprising fashion, and now he’s looking to get back there. The French fighter went 3-1 in the UFC from 2015-2016 with wins over Rocky Lee, Ulka Sasaki, and Leandro Issa. His lone promotional loss came to Erik Perez.
A training partner of Francis Ngannou and Ciryl Gane under coach Fernand Lopez, Lapilus is angling for a 2020 UFC return. With French MMA legalization going into effect in February, Lapilus seems like a layup signing for a home-country UFC return. In order to do so though however, he has to continue his winning ways.
The Skinny: The slick technical striking has always been there for Lapilus – and that’s still his bread and butter. However, the newly added facets to his game are going to make him an even better, more successful fighter if he’s able to secure a UFC roster spot for the second time. As exemplified by his TKO MMA title-clinching sidekick finish in May, he possesses power. Lapilus’ grappling is continuing to evolve, making him a threat wherever the fight goes.
It was hard to argue the UFC made the correct call when they cut him coming off a win in 2016. With three years of experience under his belt since his departure, Lapilus has gained valuable cage time against game opponents including former WSOF title challenger Josh Hill. The UFC’s impending debut in France looming, so I expect Lapilus to be a shoe-in for the new market.
In his own words: “I think I’m better now (than in 2015). This is my time, you know? Two years ago, I was a good fighter, but I think I missed the power punches – the knockout power. Now, I have the knockout power. I have more technique and precision and more strategy. I’m better now.”
“This is my opportunity to go back to the UFC. For sure. I don’t doubt that… To be honest, I want to be in the UFC before it comes to France. But I’m very excited to fight in France for the UFC in front of my family, friends, and teammates. I’m sure my manager Fernand Lopez and my team MMA Factory will work for that.