As the saying goes “Opportunity Knocks.” And that’s just what’s in store for featherweight Austin “Lights Out” Lingo. Typically if you’re a young fighter who wants to make it to the UFC you need to prove yourself on Dana White’s Contender Series. But Lingo is getting a rare opportunity to fast track past that prerequisite.
Austin Lingo 25, (7-0) is set to face fellow UFC newcomer Youssef Zalal (7-2) to kick off UFC 247 Jones vs Reyes. This short notice fight was put together after the Jimmie Rivera vs Marlon Vera was removed from the card due to an injury to Rivera.
Lingo is an up and coming prospect fighting out of the highly regarded gym, Fortis MMA. Other Fortis MMA fighters include rising lightweight contender Diego Ferreira and rising welterweight contender Geoff Neal. Lingo has been impressive in his young career going 7-0 with 5 victories by stoppage. His last 3 fights have lasted a combined 63 seconds. All but one of his pro fights have been under the LFA promotion.
Lingo has only been fighting professionally for a little over 2 1/2 years. When he’s not fighting he works as a fitness trainer at TITLE Boxing Club in Dallas, TX. This is an opportunity of a lifetime for Lingo. He’s about a 2-1 favorite to get the job done in his fight against Zalal. Opportunity is knocking for Austin “Lights Out” Lingo.
Anthony Sotelo for MMAInformed
