‘The Crank’ signs 4-fight deal with UFC

Frank “The Crank” Camacho poses for a photo with his family members and friends after his arrival at the Francisco C. Ada-Saipan International Airport yesterday. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Followers of the Ultimate Fighting Challenge have not seen the last of Frank “The Crank” Camacho, as the Marianas pride has agreed to a four-fight deal with the largest MMA promotion company in the world.

“After the fight I made an impression with the UFC team and matchmakers. They said they will definitely have me on the next UFC card. I signed a four-fight deal with them and I am excited about it,” said Camacho, who debuted in UFC last Saturday at Fight Night 111 against China Top Team’s Jingliang Li.

“Although I did not get the win last weekend, I had a decent showing to where the UFC and fight fans around the world want to see me fight again,” said Camacho.

The 28-year-old Camacho lost to Li via unanimous decision, but not after pounding his foe with a straight right in the opening minute of the first round. He went on to engage Li in a brawl to earn the Fight of the Night tag and a $50,000 bonus prize.

After the loss, Camacho had a chance to review the fight and learned a lot of things that will help him prepare for future UFC fights.

“It’s back to the drawing board for me. After a few days of studying, I knew the double jab cross was going to be the money combination that would catch him. I noticed after I landed I didn’t bum rush him fully. He is known for having a durable chin and I had to try and pick my shots moving forward. My last two rounds I slowed down which ended costing me the fight. He did a great job at adjusting and using his range to land leg kicks to slow me down,” he explained.

Camacho returned to Saipan yesterday after his defeat to Li and received a warm welcome from his relatives and friends.

“What an awesome surprise. Thank you for all the love and support,” said Camacho, who was greeted with a personalized banner from his nephew and big hugs from her mom, Marcia.

“As a mom, of course, I am nervous every time he fights. But that’s his dream (to do MMA fights) and we will support him all the way,” Marcia said.

For his part, Frank Camacho Sr. said that his son did not only represents his family during the UFC fight, but the entire Marianas and he is proud that ‘The Crank’ left a good impression in Singapore.

After his baptism of fire in UFC, Camacho won’t be back at the octagon cage for 30 to 45 days, but will continue his training.

“There’s a UFC event in Japan in September and I would love to be on that card. I also heard there’s one in China this December, so maybe a rematch with Li behind the enemy lines. Who knows? There are lots of opportunities out there and I am just honored and humbled to represent Marianas and show the world the Chamorro islander warrior spirit,” he said.