Yadier Del Valle: A Houston Homecoming
Being near the host hotel in Houston evokes a powerful sense of familiarity for emerging featherweight contender, Yadier Del Valle, as he prepares for his 2026 debut on Saturday night at the Toyota Center. “It’s a beautiful thing and a beautiful feeling,” Del Valle shared, recalling his early years working alongside his father at the same hotel. Now, he returns not as a worker, but as an undefeated prospect competing at the highest level of the sport.
A Journey of Resilience
“It’s proof of a person overcoming,” Del Valle explained. “When I first arrived in this country, in this city, my priority was securing a social security number to work. We found employment with a company that assigned us to various locations, and my father and I were assigned to this hotel. I worked in the laundry facility, ensuring everything was clean, all while never losing sight of my dream – to become a fighter.
“It was always a balancing act – training and working tirelessly, always with that dream in my mind. To be able to return here now, as a UFC fighter, and even enjoy a room where I once worked, is incredibly meaningful and a testament to the hard work paying off. It’s an awesome feeling.” He added with a smile, “I just want to say that this hotel’s rooms are impeccable – clean, beautiful, and amazing!”
A Clean Slate in the Octagon
Just like his accommodations, Del Valle’s initial run in the UFC has been flawless. The Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS) alum secured first-round stoppage wins over both Connor Matthews and Isaac Dulgarian, maintaining his perfect 10-0 professional record.
“I’m happy with the results,” Del Valle stated, reflecting on his first year in the Octagon. “We work hard, we prepare meticulously, and that’s exactly what we set out to do. My team and I aim for significant, forceful wins – convincing victories as quickly as possible.”
Facing a Familiar Challenge: Jordan Leavitt
This weekend, Del Valle faces Jordan Leavitt, another DWCS graduate. Leavitt transitioned to featherweight after a 5-3 run in the lightweight division, showcasing impressive grappling skills, including an inverted triangle choke win over Matt Sayles and an anaconda choke against Kurt Holobaugh.
For Del Valle, Leavitt represents a familiar challenge. “Jordan Leavitt is a grappler, so here we go again,” he said, acknowledging his tendency to be matched against grappling opponents. “We’re prepared. We won’t allow him to feel comfortable inside the cage. We’ll do everything to finish this fight quickly, and if we can’t, we’ll find a way to secure the victory.”
A Dream Realized in Houston
Competing in Houston holds a special significance for Del Valle. His combat sports journey began with judo in Cuba, leading him to Mexico at 17, and finally settling in Houston two years later. It was in Houston that his MMA aspirations truly took shape.
Now, a decade later, the undefeated prospect gets to compete in the city that nurtured his career. “I’m very happy and honored to be competing here,” he expressed. “I’m ready to put on a show for the people of Houston and represent this city.”
“The fact that the UFC chose Houston, and that I get to fight in the city that helped me grow as a fighter, from my amateur to professional career, is incredibly rewarding. Achieving this as a Cuban fighter on such a big stage, at the Toyota Center, and securing a win would mean the world to me. It would bring me closer to my goals, solidify my position within the organization, and keep me on the right path.”
He added with a grin, “And now with the increased bonus opportunities announced by Dana, we’re even more motivated to come out swinging!”
Don’t miss UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs Hernandez, live from Toyota Center in Houston, Texas on February 21, 2026. Prelims start at 5pm ET/2pm PT, followed by the main card live on Paramount+ at 8pm ET/5pm PT.
