October 17, 2024
Del Valle defeated Antonio Monteiro via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26) at Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series. After the show, he was one of four fighters to be awarded an official UFC contract.
ANALYSIS
While del Valle didn't get the finish, he dominated the striking totals in all three rounds as a (+100) betting underdog, recording what many thought was a 10-8 round in the second frame. Every time it appeared his cardio was drained, the Cuban prospect seemed to find a new gear and continue swinging. This type of brawling may be necessary when a UFC contract is on the line, but the 28-year-old Gracie Barra product will have to lean on his jiu-jitsu/wrestling background a bit more when tasked with facing UFC-caliber strikers.