Learn more about Ricky Turcios' UFC history, fighter facts, and Q&A below.
Fighter Facts
- Team Volkanovski on TUF 29
- Pro since 2013
- Three wins by KO, one submission (armbar)
- One first round finish
- Has won four of his last five
- Had 4-0 amateur record
- Origin of nickname: “When I first met my first MMA coach, Gerardo Abadie, he would always go ‘Pretty Ricky what they call 'em.’ It was a line from the Martin Lawrence show where the character Pretty Ricky walks in. I've always had long beautiful hair, so not only did my first coach call me "Pretty Ricky," but even my other coaches after him would call me that even if they didn't know it was a nickname. People always would call me ‘Pretty Ricky,’ so it eventually became my MMA nickname.”
UFC History
UFC Fight Night (8/28/21) Turcios won a three round split decision over Brady Hiestand to win the bantamweight tournament on The Return Of The Ultimate Fighter
The Ultimate Fighter, Season 29
Semifinals – Turcios won a three round unanimous decision over Liudvik Sholinian
Quarterfinals – Turcios won a three round unanimous decision over Daniel Argueta
Dana White's Contender Series, Season 1
Episode one (7/11/17) Turcios lost a three round unanimous decision to Boston Salmon
Q&A
When and why did you start training for fighting? I've always done martial arts since I was a little kid. I was born into it. Since I was a little boy I remember my dad and I hitting pads in the garage. It was always super fun. Martial arts has always been a part of my life, and when I became old enough to finally compete inside the cage I went for it. I was 17 years old and I remember my mom even had to sign off for me because I was still not of legal age yet.
What ranks and titles have you held? 2008 Super Smash Bros. Local Legend of Wreckage
Do you have any heroes? Goku from Dragonball Z, Vegeta, Georges St-Pierre
What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? Fighting in the UFC is a childhood dream come true. It’s a vision of mine being manifested through hard work and dedication. It’s an honor for me to fight in the UFC because I am now joining the ranks of the best martial artists on the planet.
Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I went to college for one semester before dropping out to pursue my MMA career.
What was your job before you started fighting? I am thankful to have coached martial arts since I was 18. But when I moved to Sacramento at 22, I was a busser, then a vitamin store worker before eventually becoming a coach again.
Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? Two-time IKF World Classic Muay Thai Champion. Two-time Legacy Amateur Series Flyweight Champion
Specific accomplishments in pro competition? Fury FC Bantamweight Champion
Ranks in any martial arts styles: Black belt in taekwondo, brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Favorite grappling technique: Triangle choke, rear naked choke, wrestling switch
Favorite Striking technique: Jab, a good ol’ overhand, a 1-2, punch to headkick
