LAS VEGAS — Cheyden "Steadfast" Leialoha steps into the cage for the 10th time as a professional tonight at Legacy Fghting Alliance 106 in Shawnee, OK, LIVE on UFC Fight Pass.
And the Team Iridium hammer is the first to admit that his 10th fight is an important milestone in his blossoming career.
"I remember my debut like it was yesterday, and here I am, a veteran in this game. This is going to be the first time that I'm the veteran of the fight. And I'm still young; I'm only 27," Cheyden says with a smile. "But, at the same time, it's business as usual. My job never changes in there."
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Cheyden changed his philosophy as a fighter, and he's excited to showcase the new and improved "Steadfast" on UFC Fight Pass.
"We realized that any opportunity we got to compete would likely be coming on short-notice, so my coaches and I developed a plan for me to be in fighting shape year round without burning myself out," Cheyden says. "Observing the higher-level athletes out there, you realize the best of the best stay ready all year, and I made the decision that that's what I have to do."
Cheyden isn't looking past tonight's challenge, but he has a simple goal for the rest of 2021.
"I want to get in the UFC and prove that I belong there."
ABOUT IRIDIUM SPORTS AGENCY
Iridium Sports Agency is a full-service professional management firm. Founded in 2009 by attorney Jason House, Iridium represents more than 80 fighters in the UFC, Bellator and ProFightLeague. Iridium's team of agents is devoted to assisting athletes in all aspects of their professional lives.