Lazaro Dayron: Cuba’s Next Superstar

Lazaro Dayron’s Growth As a Fighter

The path to stardom that Dayron is currently following takes the work of many. “I attribute a lot to my mom who was my guide, almost like a coach. I also had my aunt and my family who were all athletes,” stated Dayron.

Currently, Lazaro Dayron trains at the MMA Science Academy in Sunrise, Florida, roughly 11 miles Southwest of Coconut Creek, home of American Top Team. MMA Science Academy is the creation of Roger Krahl, a former coach and owner of the previously known American Top Team-Sunrise. Dayron is also under the guidance of former ONE Championship fighter Troy Worthen. Worthen is a former All-American wrestler from the University of Central Florida.

Quick Move From Amateur Ranks to the Pros

Beginning MMA in 2020 at the age of 28, Lazaro Dayron would make his amateur debut at XFN 30 in September 2020. Dayron would go on to earn the unanimous decision in his debut before taking his next fight less than two months later in November 2020. This second matchup would see Dayron find his power, earning the second-round knockout at Premier Fight League 26. Dayron showed the makings of a quick rising star to the brass at XFN, earning a title shot in his third amateur bout in April 2021.

Amateur Gold Bridging to Professional Career

XFN 34, which took place in April 2021, would not only be Lazaro Dayron’s amateur finale, but would also become his crowning moment in his amateur career. As the time was drawing to an end in the second round, Dayron would commence his ground and pound, earning the TKO stoppage and capturing the XFN amateur bantamweight championship.

Bursting Onto the National Scene as a Professional

Two months after capturing amateur gold, Lazaro Dayron would make his professional debut on the national state at Combate Global, competing on the June 2021 card. Dayron would go the full 15 minutes and pick up the unanimous decision in his professional debut. The dangerous wrestler would make one more appearance in 2021, earning a quick first-round knockout at Titan FC 73 in December.

2022 would prove to be another successful year for Dayron, going 3-0 in the year, earning two unanimous decision wins and one knockout victory. Rolling along, Dayron would compete twice in 2023, again winning both of those bouts. Competing in Combate Global twice, Dayron would earn another big first-round knockout within the year.

Again, using his superior ground game, Dayron was able to keep Nathan Greyson on the mat and earn the TKO stoppage via ground and pound to start out his 2023 campaign. His second victory of 2023 would come against a then-undefeated Manuel Exposito (10-0) on the Combate Global: Mexico vs. Spain card. Though Dayron had the two-inch less reach and height disadvantage, he was able to continue to show his dominance and ability to control his opponent, earning the unanimous decision.

2024 and Entering the PFL Spotlight

2024 would again see Lazaro Dayron keep his undefeated record in tact. In April 2024, Dayron would compete at LXF 15, earning a second-round submission victory. From here, he would then become apart of the PFL organization. Dayron would be thrown straight into the fire, facing off against the very dangerous and outspoken Danny Sabatello at PFL 8: 2024 Playoffs in August 2024.

The bout would end in a majority draw due to Dayron suffering a point deduction for cage grabbing. Though he did not earn the straight-up victory, Dayron showed he could compete against the world’s absolute best. “I think it was a very tough fight. He [Sabatello] was one of the best fighters the organization had. It boosted my confidence a lot because I knew I was ready for that level,” said Dayron. “More than anything, I arrived well prepared, technically, tactically, physically, and mentally, to be able to finish and leave no doubts.”

With another dangerous task set before him, Dayron will face off against the undefeated former All-American wrester, Bryce Meredith, at PFL World Tournament 10 in August 2025. So what can fans expect the next time we see the evolving, dangerous Dayron enter the PFL cage? “The Hunter is ready for August 21st. I will give everyone a brilliant performance so they continue to believe in the Cuban Hunter. Don’t miss it!” stated Dayron.