Lucía Yépez targets UFC transition after Los Angeles 2028 Olympics

Ecuadorian wrestler Lucía Yépez, a silver medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympics, has announced her intention to transition to mixed martial arts and compete in the UFC following the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Yépez, known as ‘La Tigra’, currently holds the number one world ranking in the 53 kg category. She stated that after the next Olympic cycle, she will feel she has achieved everything possible within the discipline of wrestling. She has already consulted with Ecuadorian UFC fighters Michael Morales and Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera regarding the potential move, both of whom reportedly believe she possesses the necessary skill level for the challenge.

Her immediate priorities remain wrestling-focused, with goals to secure a medal at this year’s World Championships and to reach the Olympic podium again in 2028. Her career has been marked by significant resilience, including overcoming a severe injury during the Tokyo Olympics that required the use of a wheelchair.