He was a big “what if” if he had gotten into MMA earlier in his life. Was still kicking ass at 40.
The only fighter from team Whittaker that Rob didn’t hate.
Google translate:
>Well up to here. I RETIRE!!! An incredible journey to get to be among the best fighters in the world and I did it, maybe it wasn’t the way I wanted but the injuries left me no other option. I want to thank all the people who supported me on this adventure, @ufc for giving me the opportunity and all the sponsors who helped me, the coaches, training partners, teams, etc. I really have a special place in my heart for them. THANK YOU ALL.
Was wondering what happened to him, shame really cos he was a really decent fighter and looked great on TUF
Was wondering where he’d been. Not that surprising of news, considering he’s 42 and all
Shame he got into the sport so late, thought he could have been something. Hope he enjoys it and finds something fulfilling to do
Some of the best hair in the business
Hope retirement treats him well
There’s a very nice documentary about the time he went to Senegal to fight in the local grappling sport (big deal over there). He fought against absolute monsters, Ngannuesque type of monsters, and dominate in open weight to the point of earning the nickname of White Lion.
You can look up for espino Senegal for some footage.
I’m pretty sure he could have been champion in his prime but it is what it is.
notes….
​
​
Espino, Juan “El Guapo”
HW 10-2, 1-1 UFC (1 POTN)
Mauling wrestler/gold medal grappler and strength fighter with a massive upper half. Not full timer, tends to some sort of homeland farm/vineyard
TUF 28 winner
(2-0 on show exhibitions.
TUF exhibition 1 Dec win with big slam of opponent.
TUF exhibition 2 win over Maurice greene, dropped him and took RNC)
(2018) TUF28 finale vs frazier R1 armbar win. Apparently went into that fight with injured hand and had long layoff after. Says he’s ready to be more active
(2020) UFC debut vs Hughes at -300. Looked good in return with expected takedown and submission win. Still moving well despite age. (+$)
(2021) vs Romanov at +120 apex. Came in 7lbs lighter than opp and had some success in grappling. Close fight leading into R3 where both were very tired. Landed low blow that ended fight and called for early scoring. 29-28 split Dec loss.
(2023) retired
Big fan of Juan. Wish we could have seen more but wish him the best.
Lalo Salamanca can go back to helping his uncle
That’s a shame, he impressed me every time I saw him. definitely deserved to give Romanov his first 0 too
I’m still not over Romanov faking a nut shot an Espino taking an L for it.
they better bring him into some grappling bouts in ONE. He is a beast on the ground
Yeah he started late and was still a baller. Wish him the best.
After he was the first to beat Alexandr Romanov, that’s a good win to retire on
EDIT: Downvote me if you want, the guy hasn’t fought in forever, we all knew he was retired.
Tragic
Damn one of the few talented HWs, didn’t know he was so old (yet still young in HW years)
noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
A shame, he was already old and plagued with injuries when he got to ufc, but he had some cool grappling tricks.
man that simulation from romanov and how he say “pain from yaico” and then ask his couch if he can’t continue Juan gonna have disqualification is so fucking measerable acting in aljo sterling style.
He was a big prospect, i think he just got a huge disappontment after fight went that way and got no more motivition to fight.
He was a big “what if” if he had gotten into MMA earlier in his life. Was still kicking ass at 40.
The only fighter from team Whittaker that Rob didn’t hate.
Google translate:
>Well up to here. I RETIRE!!! An incredible journey to get to be among the best fighters in the world and I did it, maybe it wasn’t the way I wanted but the injuries left me no other option. I want to thank all the people who supported me on this adventure, @ufc for giving me the opportunity and all the sponsors who helped me, the coaches, training partners, teams, etc. I really have a special place in my heart for them. THANK YOU ALL.
Was wondering what happened to him, shame really cos he was a really decent fighter and looked great on TUF
Was wondering where he’d been. Not that surprising of news, considering he’s 42 and all
Shame he got into the sport so late, thought he could have been something. Hope he enjoys it and finds something fulfilling to do
Some of the best hair in the business
Hope retirement treats him well
There’s a very nice documentary about the time he went to Senegal to fight in the local grappling sport (big deal over there). He fought against absolute monsters, Ngannuesque type of monsters, and dominate in open weight to the point of earning the nickname of White Lion.
You can look up for espino Senegal for some footage.
I’m pretty sure he could have been champion in his prime but it is what it is.
notes….
​
​
Espino, Juan “El Guapo”
HW 10-2, 1-1 UFC (1 POTN)
Mauling wrestler/gold medal grappler and strength fighter with a massive upper half. Not full timer, tends to some sort of homeland farm/vineyard
TUF 28 winner
(2-0 on show exhibitions.
TUF exhibition 1 Dec win with big slam of opponent.
TUF exhibition 2 win over Maurice greene, dropped him and took RNC)
(2018) TUF28 finale vs frazier R1 armbar win. Apparently went into that fight with injured hand and had long layoff after. Says he’s ready to be more active
(2020) UFC debut vs Hughes at -300. Looked good in return with expected takedown and submission win. Still moving well despite age. (+$)
(2021) vs Romanov at +120 apex. Came in 7lbs lighter than opp and had some success in grappling. Close fight leading into R3 where both were very tired. Landed low blow that ended fight and called for early scoring. 29-28 split Dec loss.
(2023) retired
Big fan of Juan. Wish we could have seen more but wish him the best.
Lalo Salamanca can go back to helping his uncle
That’s a shame, he impressed me every time I saw him. definitely deserved to give Romanov his first 0 too
I’m still not over Romanov faking a nut shot an Espino taking an L for it.
they better bring him into some grappling bouts in ONE. He is a beast on the ground
Yeah he started late and was still a baller. Wish him the best.
After he was the first to beat Alexandr Romanov, that’s a good win to retire on
¡HABLAMOS AQUI!
[He’s a scumbag](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFgJVLoNerE)
Oh no! Anyways…
EDIT: Downvote me if you want, the guy hasn’t fought in forever, we all knew he was retired.
Tragic
Damn one of the few talented HWs, didn’t know he was so old (yet still young in HW years)
noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
A shame, he was already old and plagued with injuries when he got to ufc, but he had some cool grappling tricks.
man that simulation from romanov and how he say “pain from yaico” and then ask his couch if he can’t continue Juan gonna have disqualification is so fucking measerable acting in aljo sterling style.
He was a big prospect, i think he just got a huge disappontment after fight went that way and got no more motivition to fight.