5 Things You Might Not Know About Claudio Puelles

One of the best-kept secrets in the Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight division may not remain hidden much longer, at least if Claudio Puelles has any say-so in the matter.

The Peruvian prospect will take aim at spot in the Top 15 when he squares off with Dan Hooker in a featured UFC 281 attraction on Saturday at Madison Square Garden in New York. Puelles climbs into the Octagon with the fuel of a five-fight winning streak in his tanks. A multi-faceted offensive threat, he has nailed down nine of his 12 career victories by knockout, technical knockout or submission.

As Puelles makes final preparations for his forthcoming battle with the highly regarded Hooker, here are five things you might not know about him:

1. He made the most of youthful exuberance.

Puelles made his professional debut at the age of 17 on July 17, 2013, when he submitted Angel Alvarez with a third-round armbar at a 300 Sparta event in Lima, Peru. He went on to fight eight times as a teenager, compiling an 7-1 record while emerging as one of South America’s top talents.

2. Versatility was one of many selling points.

The 26-year-old luta livre stylist has competed in two different weight classes. In addition to his work at 155 pounds, Puelles has appeared as a featherweight.

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3. He took a bite out of reality.

Puelles was a lightweight finalist on Season 3 of “The Ultimate Fighter Latin America” in 2016. He put away Jose David Flores Aguirre with punches in qualifying, submitted Pablo Sabori with a kneebar in the quarterfinals and took a unanimous decision Marcelo Rojo in the semifinals before losing to Martin Bravo by second-round technical knockout in the final.

4. His means of preparation was carefully chosen.

The “Prince of Peru” operates out of the Kill Cliff Fight Club (Sanford MMA) in Deerfield Beach, Florida. There, Puelles perfects his craft under Dutch kickboxer Henri Hooft and three-time NCAA wrestling champion Greg Jones, all while training alongside a host of world-class stablemates.

5. He has developed a weapon of choice.

Puelles has recorded three finishes since he joined the UFC roster six years ago, all via kneebar. Felipe Silva was the first of his three victims at UFC Fight Night 129 on May 19, 2018, followed by Chris Gruetzemacher at UFC on ESPN 31 on Dec. 4, 2021 and Clay Guida at UFC Fight Night 205 on April 23, 2022.