Ike Villanueva

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Isaac made his UFC debut against returning to UFC Chase Sherman on May 13, 2020 at UFC Fight Night: Smith vs. Teixeira. Being outclassed on the feet, Villanueva lost the fight via technical knockout in round two.[8] After the fight Sherman received nine month USADA suspension for testing positive for Anastrozole from a in-competition sample collected on May 13, 2020.

A light heavyweight bout between Jorge Gonzalez and Ike Villanueva was expected to take place at UFC 252. However, due to alleged visa issues for Gonzalez, the pairing was rescheduled for UFC on ESPN: Munhoz vs. Edgar on August 22, 2020. In turn, Gonzalez was removed from the card for undisclosed reasons and replaced by promotional newcomer Jordan Wright. Isaac lost in the first round after being cut badly, leading to a doctor's stoppage.

Villanueva was scheduled to face Vinicius Moreira on January 30, 2021 at UFC Fight Night 186.In late December 2020, the UFC opted against holding an event on a planned January 30 date and decided to reschedule several bouts to January 20, 2021 at UFC on ESPN: Chiesa vs. Magny.

Villanueva faced Vinicius Moreira on January 20, 2021, at UFC on ESPN: Chiesa vs. Magny. He won the fight by knockout in the second round.

As the first bout of his new four-fight contract, Villaneuva faced Marcin Prachnio on June 26, 2021 at UFC Fight Night 190. He lost the fight via TKO in the second round after being kicked in the liver.

Villanueva faced Nicolae Negumereanu on October 23, 2021 at UFC Fight Night: Costa vs. Vettori. He lost the fight via TKO in round one. Though there was controversy as replays showed Negumereanu landing illegal strikes to the back of Villanueva's head after a knockdown that led to the fight finish.

Villanueva is scheduled to face Tyson Pedro on April 23, 2022 at UFC Fight Night 207