Mateo Vogel goes for gold at Unified 55 in Toronto

Dec 20, 2023

TORONTO – Mateo “Carrapato” Vogel is leaving the frying pan for the fire.

Vogel’s most recent fight was this summer at Contender Series in Las Vegas in front of UFC boss Dana White. With a coveted UFC contract hanging in the balance, Vogel lost a decision to opponent Timothy Cuamba. Vogel’s impressive winning streak was snapped, and his dreams of competing in the UFC were put on hold.

After a heartbreaking loss like that, many fighters would ask for a “tune-up fight” to regain their confidence with an easy victory. 

But Vogel is built different. 

The 27-year-old Ottawa product returns to action in a title bout against Unified MMA Canadian Featherweight Champion John “The Dragon” Nguyen in the Main Event of Unified 55 on Jan. 19 at the Rebel Entertainment Complex in Toronto, LIVE on UFC Fight Pass. Widely regarded as one of Canada’s top featherweight contenders, Nguyen is 6-3 on the strength of back-to-back, stoppage victories in the Unified MMA cage.

“These are the only fights that matter – big fights,” Vogel says. “We’re not here to catch small prey – that’s not what’s going to get me back to the UFC level. I need to take out somebody like John Nguyen. I’m not interested in padding my records or fighting bums. 

“I’ve got my eyes set on fighting in the UFC, and this is how you do it. They want to see me beat guys who are UFC caliber, and John Nguyen totally fits that description.”

Vogel respects Nguyen’s game, but he’s expecting to make a statement at Unified 55.

“I see myself finishing him before the end of the second round.”

Vogel says it will be an honour to add the Unified MMA Canadian Featherweight Championship belt to his collection. Even more importantly, however, he’s hoping a big win in Toronto will punch his ticket to the UFC’s Octagon in 2024.

ABOUT UNIFIED MMA

Unified MMA is Canada’s leading mixed martial arts promotion, showcasing the country’s top-ranked fighters, LIVE on UFC Fight Pass. The organization has successfully promoted 54 events across Canada since it was founded in 2009, and has propelled several athletes to the UFC’s Octagon.