





Summer is approaching and that means Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series will be returning. The Ultimate Fighting Championship will no doubt have a bevy of prospects to choose from, but undefeated featherweight Austin Lingo believes he deserves a shot.Being possibly one fight away from a UFC contract is a huge deal for the Legacy Fighting Alliance mainstay. “It is mind-blowing,” said Lingo to Sherdog. “It is right there. At the same time, I know I’m ready. I see the guys in the UFC, and I feel like I could handle them.”Although he’s only six fights into his career, the undefeated martial artist has four wins by finish. Half of those are knockouts while the others came via submission. Lingo knows the importance of finishing fights and believes that is why he’s on his way to getting a shot on the Contender Series.“That is what the UFC is looking for,” said Lingo. “They are looking for people who finish fights. That is the most important thing. If I just go to the decision, I’m not sure I would be getting the same opportunity.”Although the Contender Series is the goal, don’t count out “Lights Out” from fighting again inside the LFA Octagon. The fighter is confident that he’d win again and knows that a record of 7-0 looks more impressive than his current resume. “I will get in another fight whenever,” said the prospect. “If LFA calls me with an opponent, and it is someone in the top five, then yeah. It is just the weight cut that I hate but I can get it done.”The Contender Series can be a nerve-wracking experience for many but Lingo knows he’s ready for it. Several of his Fortis MMA teammates have fought on the show and have discussed their experience with him. Additionally, he believes that training with a talented team every day has made him that much better.“[Training at Fortis MMA] motivates me,” said Lingo. “To see them win in the UFC and see how good they are, and just how dedicated they are. I do strength and conditioning with them and I see how much work it takes to get to the UFC.”“Lights Out” has shown the ability to have success both on the ground and standing, and a well-rounded approach is important to him. “I love [striking] more than anything,” he explained. “I want someone to test me. If it goes the distance, my cardio is good and obviously, my ground is good. I am just well versed in those areas.”For now, Lingo continues working in the gym every day waiting for the phone call that will lead to his next fight.