Juan Archuleta recently secured his eighth professional title in spectacular fashion.
A former two-promotion bantamweight world champion and training partner of ex-UFC fighter TJ Dillashaw, Archuleta held the Bellator title after defeating Patchy Mix in 2020 and claimed the RIZIN title from Hiromasa Ougikubo in 2023.
Known as `The Spaniard`, Archuleta is often cited as one of the best fighters outside the UFC. His Bellator record stands at 9-3, including victories over notable opponents like UFC veteran Enrique Barzola, Henry Corrales, and Naoki Inoue.
This past weekend, after a three-fight losing streak against top global competitors (including former UFC title challenger Kai Asakura), Archuleta made a powerful return to the regional circuit with a devastating knockout victory.
Former champ Juan Archuleta pulls off epic flying knee KO
On Saturday, Archuleta competed above his usual weight class, vying for the Borroka featherweight title against Dennis Linton (10-3-1). He finished the fight swiftly in the second round of the scheduled five. As Linton advanced, Archuleta landed a precise flying knee. The impact sent Linton to the canvas, unconscious. Archuleta knew no follow-up was needed and walked off, securing the knockout.
This performance marks Juan Archuleta`s return to the win column and adds another title to his collection.
Juan Archuleta on where he wants to fight next
The 37-year-old Archuleta has a history of competing globally for multiple organizations. With PFL`s acquisition of Bellator, many former Bellator standouts, including Patricio Pitbull, Aaron Pico, Michael ‘Venom’ Page, and Archuleta`s past opponent Patchy Mix, have joined the UFC. However, after his recent Borroka title victory, Archuleta expressed interest not in the UFC, but in returning to RIZIN.
He stated on X (formerly Twitter): “Fans in Japan, would you want to see me back in top form? Tell @RIZINTV_ it`s time for me to come back. If not, I will stay in America. I hope to see you in July.”
Gareth Pendleton