Billy Quarantillo (photo via Twitter / @BillyQMMA)

By Kelsey Mowatt

Billy Quarantillo says his life hasn’t changed that much since he competed on the 22nd season of  “The Ultimate Fighter”, but the featherweight does credit the show for making him a better fighter.

Quarantillo made his way into the TUF 22 house last year, by stopping Brandon Ricetti in the second round. The Florida fighter was decisioned by Saul Rogers in his next bout, who in turn, advanced all the way to the finals. Visa issues prevented Rogers from competing in the finals, however, and was replaced by eventual winner, Ryan Hall.

Recently Quarantillo (7-1) appeared on Full Contact Fighter Radio, in advance of his April 1st bout with Michael Quiones (6-1), which will headline Absolute Fighting Championship’s 25th event. While reflecting on his time on TUF 22, Quarantillo stated:

“I learned so much from Urijah Faber, and the rest of the guys that came from Team Alpha Male. Every single guy there,” said Quarantillo, after noting that his day-to-day life hasn’t changed too much since he competed on the show. “I already had an idea of who they were, Cody “No Love” (Garbrandt), Lance Palmer, you know, TJ Dillashaw, all those guys came in and showed us so much stuff. It also gave le a lot more experience.”

Since the show concluded, Quarantillo has already fought once, as he worked his way to a UD win over Marc Stevens at AFC 24 in January.

“…That last fight I had against Marc Stevens, you know I really wasn’t as nervous, it was like, I don’t think it was as big of a lime light as being on “The Ultimate Fighter”. Definitely a lot less pressure now. I feel like fighting in that environment, knowing it’s going to be on TV; knowing it’s right in front of Dana White. I don’t think there’s going to be anything as pressureful going forward, so, it’s cool.”

AFC 25 will be hosted by the Omni Auditorium in Coconut, Florida.