Ante Delija Joins UFC Roster After Explosive Run in PFL and Global Promotions

The UFC heavyweight division just got deeper with the addition of former PFL champion Ante Delija, a seasoned European veteran known for his finishing power and international fight résumé. As confirmed by multiple sources familiar with the matter, Delija has officially signed with the UFC, bringing his 25-6 professional record into the Octagon.

Nicknamed “Walking Trouble,” Delija has earned a reputation for his knockout prowess, with 18 of his 25 wins coming by stoppage. His journey to the UFC has taken him across several top-tier promotions including KSW, RIZIN, M-1 Global, and most notably the Professional Fighters League (PFL), where he became the 2022 heavyweight tournament champion.

Delija’s breakout year came in 2022, when he stormed through the PFL heavyweight bracket with emphatic wins, including knockouts over Renan Ferreira, Matheus Scheffel (twice), and Shelton Graves. His dominant run earned him the league's $1 million championship prize, cementing his status as one of the top heavyweight prospects outside the UFC at the time.

While his activity has been limited in recent years — competing just once annually since his PFL title win — Delija has still delivered memorable performances. In 2023, he earned a decision victory over Maurice Greene, and earlier in 2024, suffered a setback against Valentin Moldavsky, a top heavyweight from Bellator. But Delija’s most recent performance served as a clear reminder of his dangerous potential: in April 2024, he dismantled former UFC fighter Yorgan De Castro in just 42 seconds during a bout in Slovenia.

Now officially part of the UFC, Delija is expected to bring a new level of depth and international flair to the heavyweight ranks. With his proven finishing ability and veteran experience across multiple global promotions, fans can expect the Croatian powerhouse to make an immediate impact.

His arrival comes at a time when the heavyweight division is undergoing significant shifts, with veterans nearing the twilight of their careers and younger talent on the rise. Delija's presence could shake up the rankings and present intriguing matchups moving forward.

As one insider put it: “Walking Trouble” only fought once a year since, defeating Maurice Greene in 2023 and losing to Valentin Moldavsky in 2024. But with a UFC contract now in hand, the 33-year-old Croatian may finally find the consistency — and platform — to showcase his skills against the world’s best.