Conor McGregor’s breakout opponent confident he can challenge for a UFC title after nine years away

Diego Brandao believes he’s only three wins away from a UFC title fight

In his third UFC fight in 2014, Conor McGregor showed just how big of a star he could become when headlining his first event.

‘The Notorious’ knocked out Diego Brandao in just over four minutes to send the Dublin crowd inside The O2 into pandemonium.

Brandao, who was signed to the UFC after winning the featherweight tournament on ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ season 14, competed three more times after this loss before parting ways with the UFC.

The Brazilian has continued to stay active by fighting on promotions like ACA before putting consecutive impressive wins together in Tuff-N-Uff.

Brandao produced a knockout of the year contender earlier this year before McGregor’s former opponent stopped a highly-touted prospect this past June.

In an interview with MMA Fighting ahead of his return against Kai Kamaka III on October 25, Brandao said that he believes this bout is his opportunity to earn a place on the UFC roster.

The 38-year-old, who trains with the likes of Steve Garcia and Aaron Pico, believes that he can challenge for a UFC title and would get there quicker than some of his teammates.

“It’s going to be emotional because if I come back, I’m coming back for the championship. If I step foot in the UFC again, I’m going to be champion… If I get one good fight, two good fights in the UFC, I believe I can reach the belt faster.”

Diego Brandao was one of the most exciting fighters to come through ‘TUF’

As a member of Michael Bisping’s team, Diego Brandao’s run on ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ made him one of the most exciting fighters to have come through the format.

He knocked out all three of his opponents on the show in the first round before submitting Dennis Bermudez in the final in 2011.

His UFC career ended much quicker than expected after he was defeated by several opponents who went on to achieve great things in the promotion.

Along with a loss to Darren Elkins in 2012, Brandao was only beaten by Dustin Poirier, Conor McGregor, and Brian Ortega.