UFC Vegas 116 newcomer’s grandmother prophesied Octagon debut, but tragically died before learning about it

“When I had my last fight in Japan, I spoke to my grandma, and she told me she had a dream that good news was coming,” Valenzuela said during his UFC Vegas 116 post-fight media scrum through a translator. “She didn’t know what it was, but it was good news. She told me, ‘Please take care of yourself and stay active, and you never know what can happen.’ Basically, she meant don’t get too big or heavy.”

That advice paid off almost immediately.

“I followed it, and a week later I got a call from my manager, Jason House, who said, ‘Hey, are you willing to take a fight on short notice in two weeks?’ I put two and two together, and that’s exactly what my grandma was talking about,” Valenzuela said. “I took the fight and took the opportunity, and that’s why I’m here now.”

Tragically, Valenzuela’s grandmother passed away last Tuesday during fight week as he traveled to Las Vegas. She played a major role in raising him while his parents worked long hours, and he later lived with her after they separated. Even after relocating to Miami, Valenzuela stayed in constant contact with her.

Following his win, he honored her memory by reading a handwritten note dedicated to her.

Watch below:

Now riding a two-fight win streak since his Contender Series loss — and with six wins in his last seven overall — Valenzuela’s Octagon journey is just getting started.

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