Francisco Prado (image via UFC/YouTube)

By Kelsey Mowatt

Francisco Prado may have announced his move to welterweight in a rather unconventional manner, but the rising fighter has explained why he’s decided to leave the lightweight division.

Following Prado’s stoppage win over Ottman Azaitar at UFC Vegas  77 Saturday, the Argentinean teased he was retiring, before reporting he’s moving up to 170 pounds. While talking to the media afterward, Prado confirmed why he made that decision (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“I’m retiring from this division, from 155,” Prado said. “I did (tests) at the UFC PI, and they recommended that I change my division – up for welterweight.

Although Azaitar protested the referee’s decision to stop the fight, the victory was a pivotal one for Prado, as the 21 year-old was coming off a decision loss to Jamie Mullarkey. As Prado gets set to begin a new chapter in his career, it’s clear he’s feeling very confident about what the future holds.

“The message is I’m really complete because I was a grappler – now I’m a striker, and now I think I am a good wrestler. In a few years, I don’t have a doubt that I will be champion.”

With Saturday’s win, Prado moved his overall record to 12-1. The bout with Mullarkey marked Prado’s UFC debut.

Azaitar (10-2), meanwhile, has lost consecutive fights now, as the 33-year-old was coming off a KO loss to Matt Frevola.

UFC Vegas 77 took place at the Apex Facility in Las Vegas, Nevada.