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LAS VEGAS – Peru’s [autotag]James Llontop[/autotag] impressed with his skills at Dana White’s Contender Series 62, but his neck tattoo also became a talking point for the UFC CEO.
Llontop (14-2) defeated Malik Lewis (6-2) by unanimous decision in the feature bout of DWCS 62 Tuesday evening, earning a UFC contract at the conclusion of the show, along with every other winner on the card.
But Llontop had something else that stood out to Dana White, and that was the “FFC” tattoo on his neck, which pays homage to the regional promotion Fusion Fighting Championship. Llontop fought under the promotion’s banner on 10 occasions, including a stoppage victory in May which led to his opportunity to fight for a UFC contract on DWCS.
While discussing Llontop’s performance with Laura Sanko before announcing he was being extended a contract, White joked about the tattoo, saying that it should have to be changed to read “UFC” now.
Llontop appreciated the humor, but has no plans to make any adjustments to the ink as he prepares to embark on the next chapter of his professional career.
“No, it’s impossible because this marks a moment in my life of a before and after of my career,” Llontop told MMA Junkie and other reporters through an interpreter at a post-fight news conference. “I’m very grateful to them (FFC), so I wouldn’t change it. I’m not thinking of any new tattoos. Not for now, but I haven’t really thought about it yet.”
Llontop, 24, was born in Peru, which is a country with a budding MMA scene. As the latest product from the South American region to enter the UFC, Llontop says there are many more on their way.
“I think the Peruvian fight scene is growing and evolving,” Llontop said. “I think there’s a lot of fighters in Peru that will give you something to talk about. I think you will see more and more there’s a high level of fighting in Peru, and I think you should be seeing more fighters coming up in the future.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for DWCS 62.