Frustrated Alberto Mina wanted to fight but listened to coaches' advice

MACAU – Alberto Mina (10-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) didn’t care how much Zak Cummings (16-3 MMA, 1-0 UFC) weighed. He just wanted to fight.

Unfortunately for the Brazilian-born welterweight, his coaches didn’t think he should take a bout with an opponent eight pounds heavy, and Mina accepted their recommendation.

“I considered fighting, but my coaches advised against it,” Mina told MMAjunkie. “I can’t go against them, or I wouldn’t have a team. It’s frustrating, but it’s my coaches’ call.”

As MMAjunkie first reported, Cummings was eight pounds heavy prior to today’s TUF China Finale weigh-ins in Macau. Epic MMA’s Mina, who lives and trains in nearby Hong Kong, was presented the option of facing Cummings at a catchweight, but his team thought the weight difference was simply too great and advised him to withdraw.

Mina complied, though UFC officials still compensated him with both his contracted show money and win bonus.

“Fighting in Macau, representing Hong Kong, I’ve waited for this moment my whole life,” Mina lamented. “But we’re talking about eight pounds. I’m very frustrated.”

Mina said he had more than 400 people making the short trip from Hong Kong to watch the fight, and he’s sorry to disappoint them. He also hopes to book another fight as quickly as possible and put the frustration of this day quickly behind.

“If he can make weight again at another event, I’ll fight him,” Mina said. “I’m ready to fight in my division. I’m not here just to take pictures. I’m here to fight.”

TUF China Finale takes place Saturday at The Venetian Macao’s CotaiArena. The eight-bout card streams on UFC Fight Pass.

For more on the TUF China Finale, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Alberto Mina)