Alberto Montes | Worth The Wait Venezuelan fighter Alberto Montes has finally reached the UFC after a long wait. The 31-year-old, who made his debut on Dana White’s Contender Series in October 2024, is set to step into the Octagon for the first time at UFC 326. His journey to this moment has been marked by patience, perseverance, and a determination to prove himself on the biggest stage in combat sports. Montes earned his UFC opportunity after submitting Carlos Calderon with a second-round anaconda choke on the Contender Series. However, his planned debut against Roberto Romero at UFC 314 in Miami was delayed when he suffered a rib injury that sidelined him for months. The injury forced him to pause his career, but Montes remained focused on recovery, eventually returning to training and earning a spot on the UFC 326 card. “I feel amazing. I’ve really waited for this for a long time,” Montes said, expressing his excitement for the fight week. “It’s my dream, but we couldn’t do it before because I had a small injury on my ribs and all the problems that came with it. Now we’re on fight week, and we’re very excited.” The rib injury proved to be a significant challenge. Montes described the pain as severe, affecting his ability to breathe and sleep for months. After months of recovery, he was cleared to fight, though doctors initially advised him to wait seven more months. Montes refused, insisting he was ready to compete. “I said, ‘No way!’ But now I feel amazing. I feel good. And I have, like, two ribs, it’s better than one! I feel good,” he said, highlighting his progress. Montes’ decision to delay his UFC debut was both frustrating and necessary. He admitted the injury forced him to miss UFC 316, but the time spent recovering allowed him to return stronger.#venezuela #ufc_326 #dana_white #alberto_montes #rickey_turcios
