Kevin Borjas

Kevin 'El Gallo Negro' Borjas is a 28-year-old Peruvian flyweight who earned his UFC contract on Dana White's Contender Series in August 2023 after building an impressive record in regional promotions, including the Inka FC and Titan War FC titles. Starting fighting at age 15, Borjas climbed out of a humble Lima neighborhood through discipline and faith, and he now uses his platform to inspire young fighters facing similar circumstances. At 65 inches tall with a 68-inch reach, Borjas is a pressure striker with heavy overhand right and strong Thai boxing technique. His 10-5 UFC record masks early struggles: he dropped a unanimous decision to future champion Joshua Van at UFC 295, then suffered back-to-back knockout losses to Alessandro Costa and Joshua Van before stabilizing with consecutive decision wins over Ronaldo Rodriguez in 2025. His most recent outing saw him knocked out by undefeated prospect Imanol Rodriguez in the second round at UFC Fight Night 268 in Mexico City.

Borjas brings the kind of explosive power that makes casual fans tune in: he has eight wins by knockout and five first-round finishes, with 80 percent of his victories coming by KO or TKO. His combination of Thai boxing acumen and willingness to engage in firefights makes him entertaining to watch, even in defeat. However, his UFC tenure has been inconsistent. While he is clearly durable and refuses to quit, losses to quality opposition have pushed him toward gatekeeper status rather than prospect status. His overhand right and counter-striking prowess remain his calling cards.

What sets Borjas apart is his narrative: a fighter who grew up in poverty and worked in a pastry shop before committing fully to MMA, now fighting at the highest level to support his family and prove that hard work and discipline can overcome circumstances. His interviews reveal a thoughtful, grounded person motivated by family and faith rather than ego. Fans drawn to underdog stories and real personal narratives find Borjas compelling. As he searches for consistency at 1-3 in the UFC, his next fights will determine whether he breaks through or settles into a fringe roster role.