Vince Murdock’s improbable comeback journey toward a UFC run continues.
After a rare brain disease, moyamoya, threatened his career – and his life – Murdock (12-3) was granted clearance to return to MMA action in September.
On Nov. 4, Murdock will compete in his first MMA fight since December 2018 when he takes on Luis Saldana at Dana White’s Contender Series 34.
Multiple sources with knowledge of the matchup recently informed MMA Junkie of the booking, but asked to remain anonymous since the promotion has yet to make an official announcement.
Murdock was signed to the UFC roster in early 2019. However, his pre-fight medical exams showed abnormalities and he was removed from the fight. Murdock later tested positive for a banned substance and was suspended by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency for 14 months.
A Team Alpha Male product, Murdock hasn’t lost in five outings dating back to November 2016. In 12 pro victories, he has nine finishes.
Saldana (13-6) is an LFA alum riding a three-fight winning streak into DWCS 34. His most recent fight took place at LFA 60 in February 2019 when he defeated Carl Wittstock with a TKO due to retirement. He trains out of Fight Ready MMA under coaches Santino DeFranco and Eddie Cha.
With the addition, the DWCS 34 lineup includes:
- Bruno Oliveira vs. Carlos Ulberg
- Oscar Cota vs. Jared Vanderaa
- Ignacio Bahamondes vs. Edson Gomez
- Vince Murdock vs. Luis Saldana