‘Crank’ signs 4-fight deal with UFC

Frank “The Crank” Camacho is guaranteed to see action in the Ultimate Fighting Championship again after signing a four-fight deal with the American mixed martial arts promotion company.

“I signed another four-fight deal with the UFC. I am so blessed for the opportunity,” said Camacho, who first forged an agreement with the Las Vegas-based company in June 2017 when he fought China’s Jingliang Li in Singapore.

“The goal for the next four fights is to finish with four wins and climb the ranks. Now that I’ve been with the UFC for a year, I’ve set new goals, including fighting a Top 10 level guy in the world by the end of my four-fight contract,” the Marianas pride said.

The welterweight fighter has yet to find out when his first fight this year will be or who will be his opponent. However, his preparations for the new season have started and his team has made some changes in his training methods.

“Training is going well. Started the year great. I am really focusing on what I’ve learned in my past few fights. The four fights have gone by so quick. My coaches, my team, my dad, and I are making adjustments for 2019,” said Camacho, who had a 1-3 record at UFC, earning his lone victory in November 2017 after outclassing (split decision) Australian Damien Brown in Sydney.

He added that by signing up with UFC anew and representing the Marianas, he hopes to continue bringing pride to the islands.

“I want the world to know where the Marianas is on the map. I know I can do this by showing our fighting spirit,” the Trench Tech standout said.

Camacho announced his renewal of ties with UFC a few days after a story on the Top 10 fights of 2018 came out at the company’s website. His bout with Omaha native Drew Dober in January—his third straight Fight of the Night honor—was included on the list and Camacho had mixed feelings about the recognition.

“It’s quite bittersweet. I am happy the fans and the UFC appreciate the island style, never give up, fighting spirit I bring to the cage every time. However, I am in the UFC to win instead of getting fight of the night awards. Every fight, I go in there with the mindset to win. And I’ve been so lucky to share the cage with classy martial artists that have the same willingness to win as well,” Camacho said.

“I’m a competitor at heart and the win is what I aim for. I am really just so ecstatic how the Marianas is on the map for a Top 10 level fight at the highest level of martial arts competition. More to come in 2019! Time to Crank it up!”