Richie Miranda

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? This everything for me, since I was a kid watching boxing to then watching the UFC. Since I started MMA after my wrestling career once done, I knew I would be here. Just had to be patient and I knew my opportunity would come and it finally did on July 29th. 

Who is your favorite fighter and why? Dustin Poirier because of who he is as a person and southpaw with good boxing. Cub is also up there because of the quality of a person he is and his dynamic style, but also the career he had and the way he helps us in the training room and in life experiences.

Do you have any heroes outside of fighting? My heroes are my parents, because of their work ethic and everything they have accomplished. Something I’m proud of and have instilled in me that has helped me in wrestling, working jobs and fighting. 

What are your current ranks in martial arts? 2x All American for CA Juco wrestling, BJJ purple belt under Erik Paulson

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? 3x LFA World Champion

What fight do you consider to be the key fight in your career? My fight against Richie Lewis because I was a heavy underdog and proved everyone wrong by finishing him in the 5th round. And I landed 234 strikes. Also, my last fight because I was able to knock my opponent down and finished him with a bulldog choke. Showed that I have killer instinct on how fast I secured the choke. 

Is there a cause that you want to use your platform for? To Represent my city of SANTA ANA and show that with strong work ethic and believe you can accomplish anything you put your mind too. I’ve had ups and downs throughout my life and wresting career but all that has modeled me to have the success I’m having in my fighting career. 

Beyond money or a championship, what motivates you? Competing with myself, being a good person and taking care of my family. I would say the most alive I fell is when I’m in that cage, and nothing beats the felling when you finish your opponent, that is something that I crave when I get a contract and a name and when I’m in the cage.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? Criminal Justice and Political Science from UNK- University of Nebraska Kearney

What was your job before you started fighting? I still work to this day on the weekends, help my dad and uncles at their Mechanic shop. Something my dad thought me since I was about 8 but didn’t start working till I turned 10 years old. I have those mechanic hands lol shout out to Primos Auto Repair in Santa Ana 

Favorite grappling technique: Choking foos out

Favorite Striking technique: Hitting them with the Zassss The Art of 8 Limbs 

Tell us about your life outside of fighting: Outside of fighting l like hanging with my family, girlfriend, friends and my dog Tyson. Working at the shop with my dad and uncles. Riding my Chopper, with my dad and the homies. Cruise around in my 68 Camaro. Snowboarding, riding my dirt bike and being outdoors. Hunting, camping, running at the beach and then jumping in the ocean. I like to Cook as well- Chef Machete