- THALES LEITES RETURNS AT UFC 74

by Al Yu – MMAWeekly.com
Thales Leites returns on August 25th at UFC 74 to face newcomer Ryan Jensen. Leites replaces Travis Lutter, who was forced to withdraw due to a neck injury sustained in training.

The Nova Uniao fighter was offered the fight about a week ago. “I was training already when they called me about the fight. I have intensified my training after receiving the news,” stated Leites.

Leites made his UFC debut at The Ultimate Fighter 4 Finale against Martin Kampmann. Unfortunately for Leites, his entry into the Octagon resulted in his first professional loss. Since dropping a disappointing decision to the Dane, Leites has compiled back-to-back victories over Pete Sell and Floyd Sword.

MidAmerica Martial Arts fighter Ryan Jensen is coming off of a big win over UFC veteran Curtis Stout. The Victory Fighting Championships Middleweight Champion will be making his UFC debut.

“I think he’s a good fighter and very dangerous,” said Leites. “My training regiment hasn’t changed.”

Training with fighters such as Jose Aldo, Vitor “Shaolin” Ribeiro and Danilo Chermam, the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt prepares for his fourth appearance in the Octagon.

“I’m happy. I love my job. I love to fight in the UFC. I will always be ready to fight when they call.”