Miguel Baeza

Miguel Baeza (born August 23, 1992) is an American mixed martial artist who competed in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Background Baeza was born in Davie, Florida to a Puerto Rican family. Baeza grew up a boxing fan, and he lists Félix Trinidad as one of his all-time favorites. Baeza first dabbled in mixed martial arts in 2011 as an amateur, compiling a record of 4–0 before turning professional in 2015. Baeza holds a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt.

Ultimate Fighting Championship Baeza made his UFC debut at UFC Fight Night 161 on October 12, 2019, facing Hector Aldana. Baeza was victorious via second-round technical knockout.

Baeza then faced veteran Matt Brown on May 16, 2020, at UFC on ESPN 8. Baeza rallied back after being dropped in the first round, finishing Brown via technical knockout in the second round. This win earned Baeza his first Performance of the Night award.

Baeza was set to face Mickey Gall at UFC Fight Night 178. However, on September 11, Gall pulled out due to an injury. He was replaced by Jeremiah Wells. On September 17, it was announced that the bout was canceled due to undisclosed reasons.

Baeza faced Takashi Sato on November 28, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 184. He won via second round arm-triangle choke, thus earning his first career win by submission. He earned a Performance of the Night bonus for the win.

Baeza faced Santiago Ponzinibbio on June 5, 2021, at UFC Fight Night: Rozenstruik vs. Sakai. He lost the back-and-forth fight via unanimous decision. This bout earned him the Fight of the Night award.

Baeza faced Khaos Williams on November 13, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 197. He lost the fight via technical knockout in round three.

Baeza was scheduled to face Dhiego Lima on April 16, 2022, at UFC on ESPN: Luque vs. Muhammad 2. However, Lima announced his retirement from competition in MMA in early February 2022 and was subsequently replaced by André Fialho. Baeza lost the fight via technical knockout in round one.

Baeza faced Punahele Soriano on June 8, 2024 at UFC on ESPN 57. He lost the fight by unanimous decision.

On July 30, 2024, it was reported that Baeza was removed from the UFC roster.

Professional grappling career Baeza was due to face Neil Magny at Fury Pro Grappling 9 on April 4, 2024. Magny withdrew on short notice and was replaced by Guilherme Neves. Baeza won the match by submission with an armbar.

Championships and accomplishments Ultimate Fighting Championship Performance of the Night (Two times) MMAjunkie.com 2021 June Fight of the Month vs. Santiago Ponzinibbio Fight Matrix 2020 Most Improved Fighter of the Year

Mixed martial arts record Loss

Punahele Soriano Decision (unanimous) UFC on ESPN: Cannonier vs. Imavov

Louisville, Kentucky, United States Loss

André Fialho TKO (punches) UFC on ESPN: Luque vs. Muhammad 2

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Loss

Khaos Williams TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Holloway vs. Rodríguez

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Loss

Santiago Ponzinibbio Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Rozenstruik vs. Sakai

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Takashi Sato Submission (arm-triangle choke) UFC on ESPN: Smith vs. Clark

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Matt Brown TKO (punches) UFC on ESPN: Overeem vs. Harris

Jacksonville, Florida, United States Win

Hector Aldana TKO (leg kick and elbows) UFC Fight Night: Joanna vs. Waterson

Tampa, Florida, United States Win

Victor Reyna Decision (unanimous) Dana White's Contender Series 18

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Matthew Colquhoun KO (punches) XFN 22

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, United States Win

Leo Valdivia Decision (split) Fight Time 37

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, United States Win

Augustus D'Angelo TKO (pucnhes) Fight Time 36

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, United States Win

Mike D'Angelo KO (punches) Fight Time 33

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, United States Win

Emre Orun KO (punch) Titan FC 40

Coral Gables, Florida, United States Win

John McDonald TKO (punches) Rings of Dreams: Fight Night 17

Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States