Vlasto Čepo

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started with football. I was very emotional and always stood up for what I believed was right, which often led to red cards. At one point, after receiving what I felt was an unfair red card, I lost control and reacted in a way I’m not proud of. That moment became a turning point for me. I realized football wasn’t the right path, and I needed something where I could channel my energy properly. That’s when I moved into boxing and started building myself as a fighter.

What does it mean for you to fight for the UFC? UFC is a dream for every fighter in the world. I come from a small village in Serbia, Selenca, and later from one of the smallest towns in Slovakia, Veľký Krtíš, where there was no fighting gym when I started. Now I’m here, among the elite. I do this for myself and my family. One day, my children will be able to say their father was in the UFC and caused chaos in every fight. I have a strong fan base across Czechoslovakia and the whole Balkans, not because of trash talk, but because of my fights.

Who is your favorite fighter and why? Jon Jones is the best in the world. I’m not sure if anyone will ever surpass him. I also like Robbie Lawler, Cro Cop, and Fedor Emelianenko. Jon Jones is simply the GOAT, and I like the others for their fighting style and behavior.

Do you have any heroes outside of fighting? I’m God’s Soldier. 

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? Oktagon Underground Tournament winner, Slovak professional boxing champion.

What fight do you consider to be the key fight in your career and why? Every fight brings you closer to your goal. I consider all of them important, even the losses I’ve had, because they pushed me two steps forward. So every single one of them.

Is there a cause that you want to use your platform for? I wanted to prove to myself that I could make it into the best organization in the world, and also to my close ones. I also want to help young fighters, which I have been doing for several years. Whenever I can, I auction off my gloves and donate the money to people who need it.

Beyond a championship or money, what motivates you? What motivates me most is putting on the most exciting fight possible and giving everything I have. Money doesn’t motivate me. 

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? No, only high school. I was at university for one day, then a friend called me saying he had a life-changing job offer for me in Germany on a construction site, so I left school and never went back. I worked on that construction site for a week and came back home without being paid. And of course, that was the end of school as well.

What was your job before you started fighting? My job was a nightclub bouncer, and I also worked in a rapid response unit.

Favorite grappling technique: D´Arce choke

Favorite Striking technique: Jab

Tell us about your life outside of fighting: I have the best wife. When we started dating, it was during the time I transitioned from boxing to MMA, and our dream was the UFC (she was a five-time Muay Thai champion). I have two children and a third on the way, one dog — a Slovakian wolfdog. I have built a security services company, as well as a shooting range where I focus on these kinds of activities, and I also help soldiers with close-quarters combat. I am a member of the national defense forces.

What is one thing that you want UFC fans around the world to know about you? I’ve had 17 fights, and 14 of my wins came by finish. I’m not Jon Jones or Khabib, I’m Vlasto Čepo. Every time I step in there, it’s going to be a hard night for whoever is in front of me. Don’t blink.