Millender Misses UFC Spotlight
Curtis Millender has achieved plenty in MMA, but for the man who once danced under the bright lights of the UFC, there’s an unmistakable void. A void that isn’t filled by wins on the regional circuit or even the efforts under other promotional banners. Millender wants what many fighters cravebut few grasp for long: another shot at the UFC spotlight.
Cutting through the optimism of fighters building careers in varied promotions, Millender’s recent admission speaks to a foundational truth about mixed martial artists. Once you’ve tasted the UFC’s notoriety, it’s tough to shake the yearning for the largest stage in the sport.
Why the UFC Holds a Unique Spot
To understand Millender’s sentiments, one has to understand the enormity and prestige associated with the UFC. The Ultimate Fighting Championship is the premier organization for fighters globally and, for many, it represents the zenith of the sport.
Millender debuted in the UFC back in 2018 with striking efficiency, stringing together victorieshighlighted by a memorable TKO win over Thiago Alves. But after experiencing both success and setbacks within the Octagon, Millender’s run with the promotion came to an end in 2019. Although this is a career progression shared by various fighters who pivot to other promotions, leaving the UFC often leaves a longing in the heart of athletes who believe they have unfinished business in the ultimate proving ground.
“When you’re with the UFC, everyone recognizes you,” Millender reflected in a recent interview. “That stage is what gets people to notice you. I don’t think any fighter who’s been in the UFC doesn’t miss the energy or miss hearing their name when Bruce Buffer is introducing you.”
Fighting for Recognition Outside the UFC
Since his UFC departure, Millender has competed in several other platforms, including Bellator and PFL, and now Gamebred Fighting Championship, Jorge Masvidal’s growing bare-knuckle MMA promotion. While these promotions provide opportunities for financial gains and showcase combat skill, they simply don’t carry the same weight as the UFC.
There’s a reason for thisand it’s not just the production value, although the UFC undeniably sets an artistic standard. It’s about impact on legacy and visibility.
Outside of the UFC, it’s tougher for fighters to truly grow their brands. There’s less automatic recognitionless roar from a 20,000-seat arena packed with fans that tune in religiously every pay-per-view. For someone who once braved that stage, being part of smaller events, no matter how notable, always leaves fighters wanting more.
“It feels like I’m a fighter that sort of slipped through the cracks,” Millender admitted. In leagues outside the UFC, even stellar performances aren’t guaranteed to attract the same attention. “There are definitely some days where you’re like, ‘Man, do people even remember that I fought there?’”
Getting Back to the Big Leagues
Curtis Millender may be fighting elsewhere for now, but his aspirations remain the same: he wants back in the UFC. His body of work proves that he’s still got more left in the tank. However, the competition for UFC returnees is fierce. With younger stars rising and Dana White’s Contender Series consistently adding fresh blood to the roster, the odds might seem long. But Millender, now seasoned and battle-tested, has the fight IQ and physicality to take on nearly anyone in his weight class.
“It’s about staying ready. You don’t give up just because you’re on a different path right now.” That gritty determination is what makes fighters like Millender so compelling to follow. He’s aware the UFC doesn’t owe him anything, but fighters are always just one streak away from receiving the call.
“I’ve poured years into this game, and if there’s a chance, any chance, that Dana or Sean Shelby are watching, I want them to know: I’m ready to be back. I still have the fire.”
A Legacy Still Unfolding
While Millender may miss the bright lights and wide reach of the UFC, his journey isn’t without merit in his current ventures. His resilience stands as an example for other fighters navigating their careers post-UFC. In many ways, his football-to-fighting journey is about more than reclaiming the spotlightit’s about staying relevant in a sport built to elevate a selected few to the top.
“Curtis has plenty more years left in him to make another run,” Masvidal stated in a recent press junket. “Who knows what the future holds? UFC, PFL, Bellatorhe’s made an impact wherever he’s fought.”
At the end of the day, Millender’s tale is one that many former UFC fighters might empathize with. He’s tasted the finestand wants morebut until that call comes, he will continue fighting. Because if there’s one thing Curtis Millender wants, it’s a legacy that’s set under the UFC’s booming lights.
But more than the octagon, it’s about etching his name where it matters most: within the chapters of MMA history.
