Aruba is sending one of its fiercest athletes to the UFC Octagon on February 28. Damian Pinas, known as The Babayaga, is set to face Wes Schultz in a Middleweight bout that promises fireworks. Tickets to witness the action live are available at SuperBoletos.
At just 23 years old, Damian is already making waves in the MMA world. Born in Paramaribo, Suriname, and now fighting out of Aruba, he has built an impressive professional record of 8 wins and 1 loss. Currently riding a four-fight winning streak, Damian is ranked 66th among MMA fighters in Central and South America and has earned regional rankings in Brazil and Southeast Brazil.
Damian has been preparing for this fight with dedication and precision. He trained extensively in Aruba at Stay Thai Fit and has sharpened his skills further in Brazil with multiple camps at the legendary Nova União. For this upcoming bout he completed an intense training camp and reports feeling fantastic.
Right now he is in Las Vegas at the UFC Institute where he trained alongside UFC standout Sean Strickland for two weeks before heading to Mexico City. The altitude in Mexico is significantly higher than Aruba or Brazil, and this final preparation will help him acclimate perfectly.
Damian’s journey to the UFC has been remarkable. He fought several times in Shooto Brazil, where he first caught the attention of the organization. His appearance at the Dana White Contender Series on September 30 impressed Dana White himself, who told Damian that had the fight been an official UFC bout he would have won the fight of the night bonus.
Damian wants to extend his gratitude to all his supporters who have followed his journey and a special shoutout to his official training camp partners Pro Frame Aruba Giannis Aruba Lotto Aruba ATA Aruba Papers Bugaloe Greenwheels and Royal Jewels.
Standing 6’1 with a reach of 79.5 inches and fighting at 185.5 pounds in the Middleweight division, The Babayaga is ready to represent Aruba with pride and show the world the level of talent coming from the island. This fight promises to be intense and Damian is prepared to leave it all in the Octagon.
For fans of MMA and supporters of Aruba this is a fight not to miss.
