Ľudovít Klein

Ľudovít Klein (born February 22, 1995) is a Slovak mixed martial artist who competes in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Background
Ľudovít Klein was born in Nové Zámky, where he also started his sports career. When he was about 12 years old, Klein secretly signed up for boxing training as he feared his parents' reaction. After the first training sessions he was already aware that martial arts would accompany him throughout his life. Later, the boxing club he was involved in broke up and for some time he did not know which direction to take. As he wanted to continue his hobby, he signed up for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training. He trained for a long time in the Thomas Bilishich Martial Arts Academy. He later added Thai boxing to his martial arts training, which is how he first heard about the amateur MMA league. Subsequently, he started to devote himself to it.

In the beginning he earned his living as a bouncer at discos, where he was often picked on because of his shorter stature.

Early career
Klein joined the professional MMA as a relatively experienced amateur. After a couple of performances on smaller Slovak shows, his potential was noticed by the Slovak MMA legend Attila Végh, who brought him to his gym based on his great performances. On the domestic scene, Lajoš went undefeated in his first six fights in smaller Slovak organizations, after which he decided to go abroad.

The first match outside Slovakia did not turn out as expected. Klein lost to Igor Tarytsa at A-Fight 5 via KO. He won 2 matches in the ACB, and managed to finish both in the second round. He returned to Slovakia for one match against Moric Besztercei, which he left as the winner.

He came to the British Cage Warriors as a favorite, but he fell short, losing to Aiden Lee. He finished Lajoš in the first round via submission and Klein decided to return home to Slovakia.

With a record of 9-2, Klein transferred to Oktagon MMA. In it he fought two times, giving dominant performances and winning both fights before the limit. In the second match against Matěj Kuzník, he headlined Oktagon 5.

Subsequently, he bounced for 2 matches in the competing XFN. In both, he won the bouts comfortably, but decided to return to the Oktagon due to problems in the organization.

In the Oktagon 12 tournament, he defeated the Brazilian William Lima in the first round, followed by wins against João Paulo Rodrigues at Oktagon 14 and Łukasz Sajewski at Oktagon Prime 3, ending both subsequent matches with his signature head kick.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Klein, as a replacement for Nate Landwehr, faced Shane Young on 27 September 2020 at UFC 253. At the weigh-ins, Klein weighed in at 150 pounds, four pounds over the non-title featherweight fight limit. The bout proceeded at a catchweight and Klein was fined a percentage of his purse, which went to Young. Klein won the fight via knockout in round one.

Klein faced Michael Trizano on May 8, 2021 at UFC on ESPN: Rodriguez vs. Waterson. He lost the fight via unanimous decision. 11 out of 14 media scores gave the fight to Klein. Klein faced Nate Landwehr on October 16, 2021 at UFC Fight Night: Ladd vs. Dumont. He lost the fight in the third round via a submission due to an anaconda choke.

Klein faced Devonte Smith, replacing injured Erick Gonzalez, on March 5, 2022, at UFC 272. He won the fight via split decision.

Klein was scheduled to face Ignacio Bahamondes on August 30, 2022 at UFC 277. However, Bahamondes pulled out on July 15, 2022 and Klein was rebooked against Mason Jones a week earlier at UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. Aspinall. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Klein faced Jai Herbert on March 18, 2023 at UFC 286. The fight ended in a majority draw.

Klein was scheduled to face Jim Miller on June 3, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 46. However, Klein pulled out on May 19 due to illness and was replaced by Jared Gordon.

Klein was rescheduled to face Ignacio Bahamondes on August 5, 2023 at UFC Fight Night 226. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Klein was scheduled to face Joel Álvarez on March 2, 2024, at UFC Fight Night 238. However, Álvarez was replaced by AJ Cunningham for unknown reasons. Klein won by technical knockout as a result of a body kick and follow-up punches at the end of the first round.

Klein faced Thiago Moisés on June 8, 2024, at UFC on ESPN 57. He won the fight by unanimous decision.