New Zealand's Luke Jumeau savors UFC debut experience at UFC-Auckland

AUCKLAND, New Zealand – The UFC makes only infrequent stops in Oceania, which means for a local fighter like Luke Jumeau, the opportunities to land on one of the cards in the area are few and far between. It finally happened for UFC Fight Night 110, though, and Jumeau said it’s a goal 15 years in the making.

“The old brain never stops,” Jumeau told MMAjunkie. “It’s ticking all the time, thinking, ‘If I take another loss or this, that or the other thing (I won’t get to the UFC).’ I’ve been lucky to put together the big win streak and put it all together, but at any time it could have been the turning point if I took a couple of losses or if things didn’t go my way.”

Everything lined up perfect for Jumeau (11-3 MMA, 0-0 UFC), though, and he makes his UFC debut against Dominique Steele (14-8 MMA, 1-3 UFC) at Saturday’s event at Spark Arena in Auckland, New Zealand, which is just a short drive from his hometown of Hamilton. The card airs on FS1 following early prelims on UFC Fight Pass.

Getting to the UFC can be a long and trying journey in and of itself. Arriving on the big stage should be cause for celebration, but some fighters become flustered when their dreams and ambitions become reality. Jumeau said he’s not that type, though, and has made a concentrated effort to embrace every moment of the experience.

“I’m just trying to enjoy it all, just trying to take it all in. That’s what I’ve been told, just don’t let any moment slip,” Jumeau said. “You can come here and be nervous and that sort of thing, but I’m just here to soak it all. I’m just enjoying the moment.

“Stepping in the octagon is really what’s going to mean (something); that’s the history. All of this is nothing yet until I’ve done it. I won’t be happy until I get that W and push hard for that $50,000 (fight night) bonus.”

Jumeau, who has won six consecutive fights, all by stoppage, hopes UFC Fight Night 110 will represent a shift in his career. On top of being a pro fighter, the 29-year-old also works as full-time as a panel beater. He would eventually like to reach a situation where he could dedicate all his time and effort into fight preparation, but he’s not there yet.

Steele won’t make it easy on Jumeau, but if nothing else the fighter nicknamed “Non-Stop Action Packed” is vulnerable after dropping three of his past four fights. Jumeau thinks he can take advantage of his opponent and not only win, but win quickly and decisively.

“Obviously he’s a good fighter; he’s got all the tool,” Jumeau said. “He’s going to be more of a grinder, but I’ve trained for this kind of fighter. I’ve had similar matchups my last three fights. I really match up well with this type of fighter. … First-round KO. I’m going to make my statement. Be sharp, put him away, then I’ll be over the moon.”

For complete coverage of UFC Fight Night 110, check out the UFC Events section of the site.