UFC

Torrez Finney’s Long-Awaited UFC Debut Set for April 5 Against Robert Valentin

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torrez finney

Torrez Finney, the undefeated middleweight prospect who captured the attention of UFC President Dana White, is finally set to make his Octagon debut. The 26-year-old will face off against ‘TUF 32’ runner-up Robert Valentin at UFC Fight Night 256 on April 5, 2025, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

A Journey of Perseverance

Finney’s path to the UFC has been anything but conventional. The talented fighter first caught the eye of Dana White in 2023 on Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS), where he defeated Yuri Panferov. Despite the impressive performance, White advised Finney to gain more experience before signing with the promotion.

Undeterred, Finney returned to the regional circuit, scoring a thunderous knockout before making his second DWCS appearance in 2024. However, his performance against Cam Rowston drew criticism from White, who pointed out Finney’s limited activity between DWCS seasons.

In a twist of fate, Finney revealed that his inactivity was due to a commitment to ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ reality show that never materialized. This explanation prompted the UFC to give Finney a third shot on DWCS, where he seized the opportunity with both hands, defeating Abdellah Er-Ramy via first-round TKO. White, acknowledging his earlier misjudgment, finally offered Finney the coveted UFC contract in October 2024.

A Clash of Prospects

Finney’s opponent, Robert Valentin, brings his own compelling narrative to the matchup. The 29-year-old Swiss fighter made waves on ‘The Ultimate Fighter 32’, showcasing his finishing ability by stopping both Giannis Bachar and Paddy McCorry in under four minutes combined. Valentin’s impressive run on the show was only halted in the final by American wrestler Ryan Loder, who secured a second-round TKO victory.

This bout presents an intriguing stylistic matchup between two hungry middleweights looking to make their mark in the UFC. Finney, with his perfect 10-0 record and reputation for exciting finishes, will be eager to prove that his long journey to the UFC was worth the wait. Valentin, despite coming off a loss in the TUF final, has demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure and will be motivated to secure his first UFC victory.

The addition of Finney vs. Valentin adds further depth to an already promising UFC Fight Night 256 card. Other notable bouts on the April 5 event include:

  • Luis Gurule vs. Ode Osbourne
  • Daniel Frunza vs. Rhys McKee
  • Dione Barbosa vs. Diana Belbita
  • Ariane Carnelossi vs. Loma Lookboonmee
  • Talita Alencar vs. Vanessa Demopoulos

As the event draws closer, fight fans will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on Finney and Valentin. Both fighters have shown flashes of brilliance in their careers thus far, and their UFC Fight Night 256 clash could very well be a coming-out party for the victor.

For Finney, this debut represents the culmination of years of hard work and persistence. His journey from regional prospect to three-time DWCS competitor to UFC fighter is a testament to his dedication to the sport. Valentin, on the other hand, will be looking to bounce back from his TUF final disappointment and prove that he belongs among the elite of the middleweight division.

As April 5 approaches, the MMA community will be eagerly anticipating this clash of promising middleweights. Whether it’s Finney’s undefeated record or Valentin’s TUF experience that proves decisive, one thing is certain: UFC Fight Night 256 just got a whole lot more interesting.