Daniel Frunza sat backstage as he waited for his name to be called by someone from the UFC public relations team.
It would soon be his turn to speak with the media in attendance at the UFC Apex. Moments prior, Frunza (9-2) had earned a contract from promotion CEO Dana White for an impressive Contender Series finish by TKO over Vadym Kutsyi (17-2).
That’s when it hit him: His dream, or at least the first big one, was achieved.
“Even when Dana gave the contract, I was like, ‘Eh.’ It was like in a dream state,” Frunza recently told MMA Junkie. “But when I was in the back waiting for the interview, waiting for the media, I was like, ‘Oh my goodness. What the hell did I just do?’ That’s what kind of came to me, the realization. But it felt good because that’s what I was working for. That’s what I was there for. I knew what I was there for. I know what I’m fighting for.”
Some of his motivations, Frunza is keeping close to his chest. In due time, he plans to tell his story and what makes him tick to the fullest extent. But for now, Frunza hopes to serve as an inspiration for the next generation of Romanian fighters.
One year ago, Diana Belbita and Nicolae Negumereanu were the country’s two lone representatives. Frunza, Bogdan Grad, and Alice Ardelean have since more than doubled that number.
“We’re going to lead the way,” Frunza said. “That’s what I want, to be honest. I will try to make it to the highest heights of the sport and be an inspiration for the new generation, for the young guys and show that it’s possible, and as a Romanian fighter, you can dream. If you work hard and you’re really dedicated, you can make it. What I want on a personal level is to lead the way and be an inspiration to the younger guys.”
VICIOUS ground and pound from Daniel Frunza 👀
Was that finish enough to earn him a UFC contract? #DWCS pic.twitter.com/yP6suDHVNR
— UFC (@ufc) September 25, 2024
Frunza, 30, was born in Romania, where he lived until age 14 when he moved with his mother to Italy. At 19, he picked up combat sports. His main motivation was living out the American dream, and he saw MMA as the most America-centric combat sport. Eventually, Frunza found his way to Miami, where he currently lives and trains.
While he has yet to receive his first UFC assignment, whenever that walk comes, viewers should expect to see a blue, yellow, and red flag draped over Frunza’s shoulders.
“I want to say to the UFC: Line them up. Just get them ready for me,” Frunza said. “That’s all I can say. That’s the only message that I’m going to give. Just line them up. I cannot wait to step back into that cage, this time in an official UFC event, and hopefully I would really fight with a crowd and entertain the people.”
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