Former PFL Champion Ante Delija’s Journey to UFC Debut: A Croatian Heavyweight’s Path to Glory
A Champion’s New Chapter
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has strengthened its heavyweight division by signing former Professional Fighters League (PFL) champion Ante Delija to a long-term contract. The Croatian powerhouse is scheduled to make his octagon debut at UFC Paris on September 6, 2025, where he will face Marcin Tybura.
Distinguished Career Path
Delija, a Croatian professional mixed martial artist competing in the heavyweight division, has been a professional since 2011. His impressive career includes fights in multiple major organizations, including the Professional Fighters League (PFL), M-1 Global, Rizin Fighting Federation, and Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki (KSW).
His career reached new heights in the PFL, where he demonstrated his elite skills by reaching the finals of the PFL heavyweight season in 2021. His crowning achievement came the following year when he captured the heavyweight title, knocking out Matheus Scheffel in the first round of the 2022 heavyweight finals.
Technical Prowess and Fighting Style
Standing at 6’4″ with a 79-inch reach, Delija brings impressive physical attributes to the octagon. His professional record showcases his well-rounded abilities, with 11 knockouts and 7 submission victories demonstrating his versatility as a fighter.
UFC Debut Outlook
The upcoming UFC debut will test Delija’s ability to handle the pressure while implementing his gameplan against a seasoned veteran. His opponent, Tybura, is expected to rely on experience and wrestling to control the pace, while avoiding extended striking exchanges where Delija’s power could prove decisive. The fight’s later rounds could prove crucial, where conditioning may outweigh championship experience.
Interestingly, this isn’t Delija’s first attempt to enter the UFC. He was previously scheduled for a debut on “Fight Island” in October 2020, but the bout was cancelled due to his active PFL contract. The delay might have been a blessing in disguise, as his subsequent 2022 PFL run earned him a million-dollar prize.
