Aruba’s own Damian is getting ready to step back into the Octagon for the third time this year, continuing what has already been an exciting and important chapter in his UFC career.
On October 3, 2026, Damian will compete at UFC 332 in Salt Lake City, USA, where he will face Russian fighter Andrey Pulyaev. The matchup will mark Damian’s third UFC appearance of 2026 and, as currently planned, his final fight of the year.
After a busy year of competition, Damian is determined to finish 2026 on a strong note.
A Full Training Camp in Las Vegas
For this fight, Damian completed his entire training camp at Porrada Gym in Las Vegas, dedicating the past several weeks to preparing himself physically and mentally for another appearance on one of the biggest stages in mixed martial arts.
Training in Las Vegas has allowed Damian to fully focus on the challenge ahead, spending his days sharpening his skills and preparing specifically for what he expects to face inside the Octagon against Pulyaev.
Behind that preparation is also the guidance of his coaches, Dede Pederneiras and Joziro Boyé, who have played an important role throughout his training and development.
Damian would like to give special recognition to both coaches for the time, knowledge and dedication they continue to invest in him and his career. Every UFC appearance represents countless hours of work that take place long before fight night, and his team remains an essential part of that process.
Third UFC Fight of 2026
Fighting three times in the UFC within one year is something Damian is especially happy about.
Each fight has brought a new opponent, a new challenge and another opportunity to gain valuable experience at the highest level of the sport. Now, with one more fight scheduled before closing out the year, all of his attention is on October 3.
Facing Andrey Pulyaev presents another opportunity for Damian to showcase his abilities and represent Aruba in front of an international audience.
Although Damian may be doing his training camp thousands of kilometers away from home, Aruba continues to be a major part of his journey. Every time he enters the Octagon, he carries the support of the island with him.
Calling on Aruba to Show Up
There is another reason Damian is particularly excited about UFC 332.
This time, his fight has been placed a little later on the event schedule, giving more friends, family members and supporters back home the opportunity to tune in and watch him compete.
And Damian wants Aruba to make the most of it.
He is inviting everyone supporting him to come together on fight day. Whether it is with friends at home or at your favorite sports bar, October 3 is a day to show up, tune in and support one of Aruba’s own on the UFC stage.
And, of course, there is one more request: wear your Babayaga shirt.
Damian wants to see friends, family and supporters representing Babayaga across the island as he gets ready to enter the Octagon once again.
So gather your people, head to your favorite sports bar, put on your Babayaga shirt and get ready.
Let’s rock.
Representing More Than Himself
Damian’s journey continues to be supported by people and organizations that believe in him and what he represents.
As he prepares for UFC 332, Damian would like to give a special shoutout and thank you to Proframe, Gianni’s, Lotto, TRYP and ATA Aruba for their continued support.
Having that support behind him makes it possible to continue pursuing his career at the highest level while proudly representing Aruba internationally.
From the coaches beside him during the long days of training to the businesses and supporters backing him from home, every person involved becomes part of the journey that ultimately leads to those few important minutes inside the Octagon.
One More Time in 2026
October 3 will bring together months of preparation for Damian’s final UFC appearance of the year.
Three UFC fights in one year have made 2026 an important period in his career, but there is still one more job to do.
After completing his training camp in Las Vegas, Damian will head into UFC 332 ready to face Andrey Pulyaev and determined to close his year of competition with a performance Aruba can be proud of.
For everyone back home, the message is simple.
Save the date. Gather your friends and family. Find your favorite sports bar. Wear your Babayaga shirt. And when Damian steps into the Octagon in Salt Lake City on October 3, make sure Aruba is watching.
UFC 332
October 3, 2026
Salt Lake City, USA
Damian vs. Andrey Pulyaev
Special Thanks
Damian would like to thank his coaches Dede Pederneiras and Joziro Boyé for their guidance, dedication and continued support throughout his preparation.
Special thanks also go to Proframe, Gianni’s, Lotto, TRYP and ATA Aruba for supporting Damian and his journey.
Photography: Nathaniel Biesum / Nate Clicks
