Luis Saldaña

Mixed martial arts career

Early career Saldaña compiled a 14–6 record on the regional scene, with some highlights being capturing the Ascendancy FC Featherweight Title after knocking out Will Shutt with a high kick in the first round and winning the TFS Featherweight title vagainst Ramiro Hernandez via doctor stoppage. His regional career culminated in a rear-naked choke victory in the second round against Carl Wittstock at LFA 60.

Saldaña was invited to compete at Dana White's Contender Series 34 against Vince Murdock on November 4, 2020. He won the bout via third-round technical knockout and was awarded a contract with the UFC.

Ultimate Fighting Championship Saldaña made his debut against Jordan Griffin on April 10, 2021 at UFC on ABC 2. He won the bout via controversial unanimous decision. 16 out of 18 media scores gave it to Griffin.

In his sophomore performance, Saldaña faced Austin Lingo on August 21, 2021 at UFC on ESPN: Cannonier vs. Gastelum. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Saldaña faced Bruno Souza on March 26, 2022 at UFC on ESPN 33. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Saldaña faced Sean Woodson on August 20, 2022 at UFC 278. The bout was scored a split draw.

On March 13, 2024, it was announced that Saldana was released from the UFC.

Championships and accomplishments Ascendancy FC Ascendancy FC Featherweight Championship (One time) Two successful title defenses The Fight Series TFS Featherweight Championship (One time)

Mixed martial arts record Win

Edward Massey TKO (knee and punches) Absolute Combat League 5

Ankeny, Iowa, United States Win

Luis Guillen Submission (triangle choke) Absolute Combat League 3

Des Moines, Iowa, United States Draw

Sean Woodson Draw (split) UFC 278

Salt Lake City, Utah, United States Win

Bruno Souza Decision (unanimous) UFC on ESPN: Blaydes vs. Daukaus

Columbus, Ohio, United States Loss

Austin Lingo Decision (unanimous) UFC on ESPN: Cannonier vs. Gastelum

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Jordan Griffin Decision (unanimous) UFC on ABC: Vettori vs. Holland

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Vince Murdock TKO (punches) Dana White's Contender Series 34

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Carl Wittstock Technical Submission (rear-naked choke) LFA 60

Clive, Iowa, United States Win

Ramiro Hernandez TKO (doctor stoppage) The Fight Series

West Des Moines, Iowa, United States Win

Will Shutt TKO (head kick) Ascendancy FC 16

Clive, Iowa, United States Loss

Alex Wiggs Jr. Decision (unanimous) Brutaal Genesis Iowa: Fight Night at Hy-Vee Hall

Des Moines, Iowa, United States Loss

Mike Santiago TKO (punches) RFA 39

Hammond, Indiana, United States Win

Chris Mickle TKO (retirement) Ascendancy FC 9

Clive, Iowa, United States Win

Dyllon Muniz KO (punch) Ascendancy FC 8

Clive, Iowa, United States Loss

Anthony Baccam Submission (rear-naked choke) MCC 61

Des Moines, Iowa, United States Loss

Damien Childress Decision (unanimous) Pinnacle Combat 17

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States Win

Sekou Moore Submission (triangle choke) MCC 52

Des Moines, Iowa, United States Loss

Justin Lawrence Decision (unanimous) RFA 10

Des Moines, Iowa, United States Win

Prentiss Wolf TKO (submission to punches) MCC 48

Des Moines, Iowa, United States Win

Mitch Parker Submission (triangle choke) MCC 47

Des Moines, Iowa, United States Win

Nic Cox TKO (submission to punches) MCC 45

Des Moines, Iowa, United States Loss

Tom Ahrens Submission (rear-naked choke) MCC 41

Des Moines, Iowa, United States Win

Zakk Smith TKO (punches) MCC 38

Des Moines, Iowa, United States Win

Jose Colon KO (punch) MCC 36

Des Moines, Iowa, United States Win

Orlando Peace Submission (rear-naked choke) MCC 34

Des Moines, Iowa, United States Win

Daraughn Canada Submission (armbar) MCC 32

Des Moines, Iowa, United States