After securing first career knockout, CFFC champ Kyle Daukaus ready for UFC call – even if it comes during vacation
After securing first career knockout, CFFC champ Kyle Daukaus ready for UFC call – even if it comes during vacation
PHILADELPHIA – CFFC middleweight champion Kyle Daukuas' hands were on point as he finished Keanan Patershuk in the first round to retain his title at this past weekend's CFFC 132.
Daukuas (15-4 MMA, 8-0 CFFC), known as "The D'Arce Knight" for being a dangerous threat on the ground with his submissions – especially his D'Arce choke – decided to keep the fight on the feet at CFFC 132 and deliver a statement with his knockout of Patershuk.
"I'm evolving in my game," Daukaus said after the win. "Something that was lacking was my striking, and I knew I needed to work on it."
The improvement in his standup game was immediately evident. Much of the pre-fight discussion centered around Patershuk's power on the feet, but Daukuas said improving as a fighter in all aspects of his game has been a major focus since his seven-fight UFC run ended in 2022.
Daukaus said honesty with himself has been a critical component of his recent success.
"Being real with myself," Daukuas said. "Making sure that I mature as a fighter. In this game, you need to mature. I know I have to get better every single time, and that's just something that I've been working on ever since I left the UFC."
The CFFC 132 win represented Daukaus' second defense of his current title reign and fourth overall during two stints as champion. As proud as he is of that accomplishment, he's not looking to defend it again and hopes the UFC reaches out in the very near future.
"Time's ticking – I'm waiting for that call now," Daukuas said. "I think that (win) is something that has bumped me up into a different echelon of fighters now. Regionally, I think I'm above that. I've showed that. I'm 4-0 now. Three finishes. One knockout. It feels great. I'm on a roll right now, and I'm ready to go."
On a roll, indeed. The knockout was the first of Daukaus' professional career and may have served as a better example of his growth than had he added another submission to his record. Unfortunately for Daukaus, due to his incredible excitement, he doesn't have much memory of the highlight.
"I blacked out," Daukaus said with a laugh. "I literally remember hitting him with the elbow, him falling, and next thing you know I'm on top of the cage."
Daukaus revealed that during his first UFC run, it seemed the promotion always called him with opportunities when he had a vacation planned. Perhaps that's a good omen given his current calendar.
"I have a vacation planned from the 4th of August to the 14th, so I'll probably be getting a call then, hopefully," Daukaus joked.
While he waits, Daukaus will continue to work on evolving as a fighter, as well as a father. Regardless of how it all unfolds, the Philadelphia native wants to make sure he expresses how very grateful he is for his fanbase and the people who have supported him in his journey.
"I'm thankful for everybody," Daukaus said. "I'm thankful for this support that I'm getting from everybody. It's a lot of love for me.
"As a person who was at the pinnacle of the sport and is now back regionally but still having people behind me, I thank them every single day. I'm very, very excited to see what's next."