Gauge Young Record: 11-3-0

Knocking on the door

Young's first crack at a UFC contract came on Dana White's Contender Series in September 2024, where he dropped a unanimous decision to Quillan Salkilld. Undeterred, he returned to FAC and knocked out Eric Grant in the second round that December, and the promotion ultimately brought him in without the clean Contender Series win that usually opens the door.

UFC run

Young's Octagon debut in April 2025 ended in a unanimous-decision loss to Evan Elder in his home state, a tough welcome to the top level. He answered it emphatically. In August 2025 he outpointed Maheshate Hayisaer over three rounds for a unanimous decision, his first UFC win, then delivered his biggest result to date in April 2026, edging the veteran Thiago Moisés – a 19-9 former title challenger – by split decision. Beating a fighter of that pedigree signaled that Young belongs in the lightweight conversation.

Fighting style

Young is a pressure fighter whose calling card is power, with six of his 11 wins coming by knockout or TKO alongside one submission and four decisions. He builds offense behind a kickboxing base and is comfortable wading forward to land fight-ending shots, but his UFC results show a more complete picture: he has proven he can grind out three-round decisions against quality opposition when the finish does not come. His losses, including a submission and two decisions, point to grappling exchanges and consistency over 15 minutes as the areas that will determine how far his power-based game carries him.

Career highlights

• Regional knockout artist — built his record on the FAC circuit with a string of stoppages, earning the reputation as a power puncher before reaching the UFC.
• First UFC win — outpointed Maheshate Hayisaer by unanimous decision in August 2025 to break into the win column at the top level.
• Statement over a veteran — defeated former title challenger Thiago Moisés by split decision in April 2026, his most significant career victory.