Allan Nascimento’s Waiting Game

Allan Nascimento’s long wait ends in a matter of days.

The 32-year-old Brazilian will return to the Ultimate Fighting Championship rotation for the first time in 574 days when he meets Jafel Filho in a UFC on ESPN 61 flyweight showcase this Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Nascimento has not suited up since he banked a $50,000 “Performance of the Night” bonus with a rear-naked choke submission of Carlos Hernandez in January 2023. Injuries led to fight cancellations against Tim Elliott and Su Mudaerji, resulting in an extended absence from competition.

“They were important bouts,” Nascimento told Sherdog.com. “I had to drop out to be able to come back healthy. Since we don’t get paid if we don’t fight, I had to work with my sponsors and invest my bonus money to stay afloat. I didn’t get to fight for nearly 16 months.”

Filho now stands in his way. The Nova Uniao export has rattled off seven wins in eight outings—a submission loss to Muhammad Mokaev was his only misstep—and takes his latest assignment on the strength of back-to-back victories over Daniel Barez and Ode Osbourne. Filho was a Shooto Brazil champion prior to joining the UFC roster.

“Our careers do seem similar as far as the types of wins we’ve had—submissions, as well as decisions and TKOs,” Nascimento said. “If you only win one way, it shows you have narrow training. I train to win wherever the fight goes. That accounts for my variety of wins, whether on the mat or striking. Jafel is tough. Unfortunately, I’m facing a fellow Brazilian. He’s also experienced, so we’re drawing up various strategies to ensure my victory in the Octagon.”

Nascimento continues to operate out of the Chute Boxe affiliate fronted by Diego Lima in Sao Paulo, Brazil. It offers him world-class training close to home, along with daily access to accomplished stablemates and coaches, with Lima focused on his muay thai, Alireza Noei responsible for his wrestling and Atila Rodrigues in charge of his boxing.

“I don’t train anywhere else,” Nascimento said. “Training is solid in every area. I’m evolving in every facet.”

All of his preparation centers on steady improvement and progress at 125 pounds.

“The plan doesn’t change; it’s to climb up that ladder one rung at a time,” Nascimento said. “I was supposed to face ranked opponents last year. I hope that happens after this next win. If all goes well, I’ll beat Jafel—he’s a quality fighter—and then I’ll want someone in the Top 15 to increase my visibility, so I can work my way to the belt one day.”