Striegl set for UFC return with documentary

Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC

Mark Striegl is set to make his return to the Octagon next month, as the Filipino-American mixed martial artist goes up against Chas Skelly in a featherweight matchup in UFC Fight Night 202 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

Striegl is looking to bounce back after a disappointing debut back in October, having been knocked out  in the first round by Said Nurmagomedov in UFC Fight Night 180.

He shares, "I am super excited about this fight. I have signed a contract for the fight. Oddly enough, Chas and I have the same professional fight record of 18-3-0 (wins-loss-draws). I am definitely excited and gunning for my first win."

Mark has been training at George Castro's MMA Lab in Peoria, Arizona since the start of the year. He shares about his preparations, "There is a huge advantage coming in early to the United States where I get to train in one place as opposed to moving around in Manila because of the pandemic protocols," he explains.

He also notes, "It’s all camp training and working out then rest. It allows me to really focus and prepare. Some fighters have the benefit of several months of training, but we take what is given to us and make the most out of the opportunity."

Striegl also notes, "Plus, I get to train under a former MMA fighter in George himself."

Helping him prepare for the fight is four-time All-American Bryce Meredith, who recently made his Legacy Fighting Alliance debut with a TKO win over Steven Merrill.

On how the Wyoming alum can help his preparations, Mark expounds, "When you work with high level training partners, it really increases your learning and confidence."

The run-up to the February 20 fight also includes a three-part mini-documentary being produced by TAP Digital Media Ventures, who also has the broadcast rights for the UFC in the Philippines. The documentary, called "Mark Streigl: The Road Back to the UFC," is slated for broadcast on February 2, 9, and 16, and it recounts his journey from Japan into the different fight outfits he was involved in until now with the UFC.

TAP DMV marketing manager Rely San Agustin says, "TAP DMV is excited to be working with Mark Striegl and to bring not only his fights, but also the UFC to the Filipino audience which is considered as one of the most rabid MMA fan bases in the world."

UFC Fight Night 202 is set to be broadcast on Premier Sports via cable television, as well as their streaming app Tap Go.