the fight via unanimous decision. Despite getting the win, Bellator MMA announced they had released Held from his contract. Held, however, wrote a Facebook post citing that he terminated his own contract. Ultimate Fighting Championship On August 30, Held officially signed with the UFC. Held made his promotional debut against UFC veteran Diego Sanchez on November 5, 2016, at The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 3 Finale. Despite having some success with his boxing and remaining active off his back looking for submissions, Held lost the bout by unanimous decision. Held next faced Joe Lauzon on January 15, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 103. He lost the fight via a controversial split decision, with even his opponent Lauzon saying he felt he lost the bout post-fight. Likewise, 16 out of 17 media pundits scored the bout for Held; the lone holdout scored the fight a draw. Held faced Damir Hadžović on May 28, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 109. After handily winning the first two rounds, he lost the fight via knockout in the opening seconds of the third round. Held was expected to face Teemu Packalen on October 21, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 118. Teemu injured his knee and was replaced by Nasrat Haqparast. Held won the fight via unanimous decision to earn his first UFC win and fighting out his rookie contract. Absolute Championship Berkut Despite the UFC offering a new contract, Held decided to sign a contract with Absolute Championship Berkut and he faced Callan Potter in his debut at ACB 88. Held won the bout via submission in the first round. Professional Fighters League In March 2020, Held signed with Professional Fighters League. Held made his PFL debut against Natan Schulte on April 23, 2021, at PFL 1. He won the bout via unanimous decision. Held faced Olivier Aubin-Mercier at PFL 4 on June 10, 2021. He lost the bout via unanimous decision. Held faced Natan Schulte on June 17, 2022, at PFL 4. He lost the bout via unanimous decision. Held faced Myles Price on August 13, 2022, at PFL 8. He won the bout via guillotine choke in the second round. Championships and accomplishments Mixed martial arts Mixed Martial Arts Challengers MMA Challengers 2 Lightweight Tournament Winner Bellator Fighting Championships Bellator Season 10 Lightweight Tournament Winner Bellator Season 7 Lightweight Tournament Runner-Up Tied (with Michael Chandler and Adam Piccolotti) for most submission victories in