MEXICO CITY – Edgar Chairez created a moment at UFC on ESPN 64 that will live on his personal highlight reel forever.
Chairez (12-6 MMA, 2-2 UFC) couldn't hold in the emotions after submitting CJ Vergara (12-7-1 MMA, 3-5) in the first round of their main card bout. Fighting and winning on home soil was one thing, but doing it after his grandfather's death added to the moment.
During his post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier, Chairez expressed how much the win meant to him because his grandfather sold his truck to pay for the surgery he needed.
"I love my Grandpa, and he was such a support in my career," Chairez told MMA Junkie and other reporters through an interpreter at a post-fight news conference. "He was always there when I was training. I'm here because of him, and of course, I miss him a lot. Of course, I dedicate this win to my Grandpa."
Submitting Vergara marked a return to the win column for Chairez following a unanimous decision loss to Joshua Van at UFC 306. While picking up a bonus-earning finish is always sweet, Chairez says the result would have been irrelevant for his grandfather's admiration.
"Even if I lost, he would be proud," Chairez said. "So, of course, I know would be happy to know this victory. I just want to go celebrate with my Grandma and all my family."
With his first fight of 2025 in the books, the 29-year-old flyweight aims to stay active with a return in the summer, and if possible, land a spot at UFC 320, the first Noche UFC event to take place in Mexico this September.
"I feel great with my body, my body's in great shape – I just want to fight," Chairez said. "If it's an international card, it would be great, or if its on a Mexican event in September, for sure. I fought here in Mexico, I love it. For sure, as soon as possible, I'll be ready."
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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie's event hub for UFC on ESPN 64.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Edgar Chairez dedicates UFC on ESPN 64 win to grandfather, aims for UFC 320 return
