Even fighters featured on The Ultimate Fighter reality TV show don’t have a slack when it comes to losses and poor performances in the UFC.  Just one loss drastically increases pressure on the fighters to put together a good fight or run the risk of possibly being dropped into MMA obscurity.

Efrain Escudero looks to bounce back from a submission loss (armbar) to Evan Dunham at UFC Fight Night 20 in January.  The Mexican-American fighter will next fight Dan Lauzon at UFC 114 in Las Vegas in May.

Some fighters bounce back from losses very well, while others mentally break under the added pressure.  Escudero continues to reflect on the fight – and hopes to earn a rematch – and has learned from the fight.

“Really that I am human and prone to mistakes.  My training camp could have been better, my focus could have been better.  I am regrouping and hoping to come back as a better fighter. Evan is a tough, unknown prospect and I think time will show us all how good he is.  I hope to get another shot at him.”

Despite a very tight arm bar that appeared to seriously injure him, Escudero said his arm feels good two months from fight time.

“Good, I am rehabbing the arm but still training hard.  I was just in Big Bear helping Shannon Gugerty and Brandon Vera prepare for their (upcoming) fights.  Overall I feel great and I am hungry to get back into the cage.”

The relatively new superstar continues to train with Ben Henderson, Edgar Garcia and other strong fighters.  “Still helping them and a whole lot of great people supporting me through Team MTX.  I also plan on traveling some more and training with a lot of great camps around the country.”

His training has been “busy” in Big Bear, with Escudero following thee fight schedules of Henderson and other fighters who have bouts sooner.  Escudero is working diligently to prepare for Lauzon, who trained with him in Arizona for  a few months about three years ago.

“I know Danny well,” Escudero explained.  “I  expect a brawl.  He is a game fighter and knows how to bring it.  Look for fireworks (made in Mexico),” he joked.

The UFC is an extremely difficult organization to stay in, especially after consecutive losses, and Escudero has such a bright future he doesn’t want to see snuffed out for Lauzon’s sake in the lightweight division.

Win or lose his upcoming fight, Escudero plans to uphold a promise to his parents that he would graduate from college and get his degree.  He is still able to train full-time, and slips cram sessions in whenever he can.

If all goes according to plan, expect Escudero to have an extremely bright future in MMA.

Efrain wanted to thank the fans and the following sponsors for their support:  Dethrone Royalty, Bud Light and MTX Audio.