Jafel Filho No Longer in Limbo

Jafel Filho was forced to play the waiting game due to circumstances outside of his control, and the experience tested the bounds of his patience.

“Pastor” will return to the Ultimate Fighting Championship stage for the first time in more than a year when he squares off with Allan Nascimento in the featured UFC on ESPN 68 flyweight prelim this Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Filho, 32, enters the cage on the strength of back-to-back victories. He last saw action at UFC Fight Night 239, where he tapped Ode Osbourne with a first-round rear-naked choke on March 16, 2024.

The victory over Osborne resulted in a $50,000 post-fight bonus for Filho that helped him keep his head above water financially during an unexpected stay on the sidelines. “Without that bonus,” he said, “it would have been difficult to get by.” Filho was originally scheduled to face Nascimento in August.

“We were supposed to fight last year. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen,” he said. “He called to say he had been sick, so the fight got cancelled. He’s someone who prioritizes grappling, even though he started out as a striker. He prefers grappling now, and I think that’s wonderful. I see myself as having the best jiu-jitsu in the weight class. I believe I’ll submit him or maybe even knock him out. I’m going for another bonus.”

Filho continues to train out of the revered Nova Uniao camp in Rio de Janeiro, where he sharpens his skills at the behest of longtime mentor Andre Pederneiras. The gym offers him regular access to a number of accomplished stablemates, former UFC and World Extreme Cagefighting champion Jose Aldo.

“I’ve been there for over 10 years,” Filho said. “We’re very well prepared. We’re ready for another war.”

Nascimento figures to be a willing participant. The well-traveled 33-year-old has secured 14 of his 20 professional wins by submission. Nascimento, who reps the Chute Boxe affiliate fronted by Diego Lima, has not competed since he put away Carlos Hernandez with a rear-naked choke in the first round of their UFC Fight Night 217 pairing on Jan. 14, 2023. Filho sees him as a potential bridge to the Top 15 at 125 pounds.

“My wins are usually quick,” he said. “I expect I’ll score another quick victory. I hope to get ranked after another good win. If not now, soon.”