Daniel Frunza plans to spearhead Romanian takeover in UFC: ‘We will cleared the path’

Daniel Frunza sat backstage as he waited for his title to be known as by somebody from the UFC public relations crew.

It could quickly be his flip to talk with the media in attendance on the UFC Apex. Moments prior, Frunza (9-2) had earned a contract from promotion CEO Dana White for a powerful Contender Sequence finish by TKO over Vadym Kutsyi (17-2).

That’s when it hit him: His dream, or at the least the primary huge one, was achieved.

“Even when Dana gave the contract, I used to be like, ‘Eh.’ It was like in a dream state,” Frunza just lately instructed MMA Junkie. “However after I was within the again ready for the interview, ready for the media, I used to be like, ‘Oh my goodness. What the hell did I simply do?’ That’s what sort of got here to me, the conclusion. Nevertheless it felt good as a result of that’s what I used to be working for. That’s what I used to be there for. I knew what I used to be there for. I do know what I’m combating for.”

A few of his motivations, Frunza is protecting near his chest. In due time, he plans to inform his story and what makes him tick to the fullest extent. However for now, Frunza hopes to function an inspiration for the following era of Romanian fighters.

One yr in the past, Diana Belbita and Nicolae Negumereanu had been the nation’s two lone representatives. Frunza, Bogdan Grad, and Alice Ardelean have since greater than doubled that quantity.

“We’re going to cleared the path,” Frunza stated. “That’s what I need, to be sincere. I’ll attempt to make it to the best heights of the game and be an inspiration for the brand new era, for the younger guys and present that it’s attainable, and as a Romanian fighter, you’ll be able to dream. In the event you work onerous and also you’re actually devoted, you may make it. What I need on a private degree is to cleared the path and be an inspiration to the youthful guys.”

VICIOUS floor and pound from Daniel Frunza 👀

Was that end sufficient to earn him a UFC contract? #DWCS pic.twitter.com/yP6suDHVNR

— UFC (@ufc) September 25, 2024

Frunza, 30, was born in Romania, the place he lived till age 14 when he moved together with his mom to Italy. At 19, he picked up fight sports activities. His foremost motivation was residing out the American dream, and he noticed MMA as essentially the most America-centric fight sport. Ultimately, Frunza discovered his option to Miami, the place he at the moment lives and trains.

Whereas he has but to obtain his first UFC task, each time that stroll comes, viewers ought to anticipate to see a blue, yellow, and pink flag draped over Frunza’s shoulders.

“I need to say to the UFC: Line them up. Simply get them prepared for me,” Frunza stated. “That’s all I can say. That’s the one message that I’m going to provide. Simply line them up. I can’t wait to step again into that cage, this time in an official UFC occasion, and hopefully I’d actually battle with a crowd and entertain the folks.”