Kurtis Campbell said his first UFC victory against Trevor Peek in Paris carried extra weight because his father had endured several difficult weeks with medical problems.
The 24-year-old Liverpool lightweight submitted Peek with a rear-naked choke in the third round on September 5. Campbell entered the bout needing a response after Danny Silva beat him by decision in his March debut.
“There’s always going to be pressure on to get that first UFC win, but I was locked in on this one. No one was taking that away from me.”
“It wasn’t what I wanted or it wasn’t what the people wanted, definitely not. But I went straight back to the gym, and my dad’s always told me the highest of highs aren’t that high, the lowest of lows aren’t that low. So to me, I just got straight back in the gym, making them wrongs right and just go again for the next upcoming.”
That advice from his father shaped Campbell’s approach to the loss. He returned to training without treating one UFC result as a verdict on the prospect who earned his contract through Dana White’s Contender Series in 2025.
Campbell Kept His Father At The Center Of His Paris Win
Campbell did not disclose the nature of the medical issues. He said his father was recovering and had remained beside him throughout fight week at the Accor Arena.
“Bit of privacy reasons, but he’s just been going through a few medical problems. He’s had a tough few weeks, so that one was definitely for him, putting a smile on his face.”
“Yeah, he was in the crowd. He was there with me the whole fight week, so it was nice to give him a little break.”
Watch Campbell discuss the victory, his family and his path into martial arts below:
His father also sits behind one of Campbell’s most recognizable details. Before the UFC Paris return, Campbell explained that his pink shorts began as a dare from his dad and eventually grew into the “Pink Panther” identity that now follows him into the Octagon.
Family Remains Part Of Campbell’s Long-Term UFC Goal
The win moved Campbell to 9-1 as a professional and 1-1 in the UFC. His ambitions extend beyond correcting the debut defeat, with financial security for his parents forming part of the career he has pursued since childhood.
“One hundred percent. That’s literally one of the main reasons I do it. I do it because I love the sport and no one’s ever pushed me to do it myself. But until I see them two sipping cocktails on the beach for the rest of their life, I will not be done.”
Campbell did not call for a specific opponent after joining the UFC Paris winner circle. He said his team may give him time to develop, but he remains willing to accept any matchup offered.
“I’ve never turned down a fight either, though. So whoever gets put on the paper, I’m saying yes to.”
That leaves the timing of his third UFC appearance open. The immediate milestone is already secured, and Campbell made clear that the people who carried him toward it were never far from his mind.
