By Frank Bonada
Former IMMAF medalist and Austrian Mixed Martial Arts Federation representative Bogdan Grad has officially signed with the UFC, following a standout performance on Dana White’s Contender Series 2024: Week 3.
Born in Romania, Grad represented his adopted home of Austria throughout his IMMAF career, where he established himself as one of Europe’s top amateur prospects. Competing in IMMAF competition from 2015 to 2018, Grad consistently demonstrated his evolving skillset paired with natural athleticism, culminating in a memorable run at the 2018 IMMAF European Championships. His crowning achievement came when he earned a bronze medal by defeating Ireland’s Ciaran Clarke in an intense, three-round contest.
After his impressive 11-fight tenure with IMMAF, Bogdan Grad transitioned seamlessly into professional MMA, where his already well-rounded skillset propelled him through the ranks. Holding multiple regional titles and boasting an 11-1 record, the Austrian featherweight first earned a spot on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2023. However, competing above his natural weight class against the towering 6’3” Tom Nolan, Grad was unable to secure victory.
Undeterred by the setback, Grad returned to the regional circuit, quickly reestablishing himself as a top prospect with two consecutive highlight-reel finishes within six months. His undeniable talent caught the attention of UFC scouts once again, leading to a second call-up to the Contender Series.
Now competing at his natural weight of 145lbs, Grad delivered a standout performance against the highly touted Michael Aswell, an American athlete with a 9-1 pro record. In what has since been hailed as one of the greatest bouts in Contender Series history, the two fighters went toe-to-toe in a thrilling display of mixed martial arts prowess.
When the bout concluded, it was Grad’s hand that was raised, marking a pivotal moment in his career. In recognition of their exceptional efforts, UFC President Dana White awarded both Grad and Aswell UFC contracts, sealing Grad’s place on the sport’s biggest stage.
In an interview with IMMAF, Grad reflected on how his experience in IMMAF competitions played a crucial role in shaping him into the rising UFC star he is today. He stated:
“Competing at IMMAF as an amateur was crucial in shaping me into the fighter I am today. In my opinion, IMMAF is a must-do for anyone serious about a successful MMA career. The experience and skills I gained were invaluable, and it was the AUTMMAF Federation in Austria that first introduced me to these opportunities. The challenges and lessons from those days built my confidence and toughness, providing a strong foundation for my professional journey.”
“Becoming an official UFC fighter feels like a dream come true. It’s an overwhelming mix of pride, joy, and disbelief, knowing that all the years of relentless training and sacrifice have led to this moment. What makes it even more special is the journey I’ve shared with my team from the very beginning. Their unwavering support and belief in me have been the bedrock of this achievement. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together and excited for what the future holds.”
The Austrian Mixed Martial Arts Federation have since released the following statement;
“Bogdan Grad and his entire coaching team under the leadership of Gerhard and Michael Ettl have shown how to get to the top of the MMA sport. An amateur career is so immensely important for every MMA athlete. You have the time to mature and gain experience before moving to the professional ranks.”
“Bogdan has successfully competed in the IMMAF European and World Championships, representing Austria and competing with the best amateurs in the world.”
“His amateur fights at the IMMAF and AUTMMAF championships laid the foundation for his success as a professional. The Austrian Mixed Martial Arts Federation wishes Bogdan Grad all the best for the future.“
Grad also paid homage to the Austrian Mixed Martial Arts Federation, stating the following:
“Representing Austria on a global platform like the UFC is incredibly important to me. Thanks to the opportunities created by the Ettl Bros and the incredible support from Austria’s medical system, I was able to achieve significant results through my perseverance. It’s an honour to showcase my skills, bring pride to my country, and inspire others to pursue their dreams.”
At the 2024 IMMAF World Championships, the next generation of Austrian stars will be on display, facing off against the very best amateur MMA athletes from across the globe.
You can watch every bout live at IMMAF.tv
