UFC flyweight fighter Edgar Chairez‘s UFC career was on the brink of collapse as he won just one of his four UFC fights until UFC on ESPN 64. The 29-year-old registered an impressive 1st-round submission win over CJ Vergara, following which, Chairez broke down into tears and revealed a tear-jerking revelation about his struggles.

‘Puro Chicali’ claims to have had financial issues in treating his injuries last year. However, his grandfather came to his aid as the much-needed help for Edgar Chairez, who sold one of his prized possessions – just to see his grandson nursed back to health.

“About a year ago, I didn’t have the money to get surgery. I couldn’t do anything, and my Grandpa’s also a father to me. He sold his truck to pay for surgery. That’s the reason why I’m here,” Edgar Chairez told Daniel Cormier during the Octagon interview.

Edgar Chairez mentioned that he’s grandfather wasn’t there this time to see his grandson win, as he had passed away, unfortunately. “Last year, he was right here. This year, he was not. But I know he’s in the first row in heaven watching me tonight,” an emotional Puro Chicali added. He dedicated his hard-fought win to him – the man who saved his life.

Well, as emotional as this win was for Edgar Chairez, it might also have saved his UFC career. Let us take a look back at how the fight went down between him and CJ Vergara, even though it lasted bately over a couple of minutes.

Edgar Chairez vs CJ Vergara – as it went down

“I’m very focused right now and pretty sure I’m going to come out with a win Saturday,” said Edgar Chairez during the media day on Wednesday, as he was in the hunt for a bonus. Well, he did exactly what he set out to do. Both the 29-year-old and his opponent, CJ Vergara, didn’t land as many strikes as they attempted, with the pair landing less than 50 percent of all the significant strikes.

But then, both fighters started getting their ground game on. At least half of CJ Vergara’s takedown attempts were successful, as he found success in six out of his thirteen attempts. However, he was overwhelmed by Edgar Chairez and the sheer volume of his attacking, with the 29-year-old taking down his opponent eight times out of his 27 attempts; it was the last one that helped him finally catch Vergara and tap him out with a rear-naked choke.

Having started 2025 on a winning note, Edgar Chairez would now be looking to continue his winning ways and make his grandfather proud, given his sacrifice and hopes for his grandson. In the meantime, let us know your thoughts on his struggles and the sweet 1st-round victory at UFC Mexico City in the comments down below!