No Performance Anxiety for Mando Gutierrez

Having defied the odds in the Professional Fighters League bantamweight quarterfinals, Mando Gutierrez understands his capabilities. He just needs the right dance partner in to show them off.

Gutierrez bested Francesco Nuzzi in April and now finds himself lined up to face Justin Wetzell when their 135-pound semifinal opens the main card for PFL 2025 World Tournament 6 on Friday at Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas. He wants to keep the momentum rolling and take in the magic carpet ride for as long as it lasts.

“It’s been phenomenal,” Gutierrez told Sherdog.com. “I’m always going to be super, super grateful for the PFL giving me this opportunity, platform and treatment. They treat their fighters great. They really are the Professional Fighters League. There’s no stone left unturned here, and that makes it easy for me to go out and perform.”

Even with a victory in the first round, Gutierrez recognizes his job as being far from done, as he has yet to achieve his ultimate dream with the promotion.

“I’m at the bottom of the mountain looking up,” he said. “It’s overwhelming when you’re looking from the very bottom. It’s one step at a time. All I’m worried about is this Friday. This Friday, my life is over. I’m going out there, and there’s no plan after that. I know Justin is a handful, and I’m ready to go out there and put on a show and keep stating my claim, making a name for myself in this organization and working my way up. Best believe when my time comes, I’ll have plenty for everybody.”

Fighters only get one shot! Watch the Semifinals of the PFL World Tournament LIVE Friday, June 20 at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN+

Gutierrez respects Wetzell but does not see much in terms of highlight-real potential in his latest adversary. As a result, he has taken upon himself to wow the crowd.

“I like the dude,” Gutierrez said. “He’s a cool dude, but he doesn’t have highlights. He’s the same every fight. He’s a phenomenal fighter. He’s good at what he does. He’s good at dragging fights on, but that’s what he does. He drags fights on. I’m going out there to put on a stellar performance. Win, lose, or draw, no matter what, I’ve never had a boring fight. I’ve never had a lackluster performance. Every single time, it’s going to be fireworks. I know when you put two crazy dudes in there, it’s going to be a great fight.”

⚖️ #PFLWorldTournament 6️⃣Official Weigh Ins

Bantamweight Bout
Justin Wetzell: 135.8 lbs
Mando Gutierrez: 136 lbs

[ #PFLWorldTournament | Friday, June 20th | Early Card 5:30PM | Main Card 8PM EST | ESPN ] pic.twitter.com/Re6sMRJ9Q8

— PFL (@PFLMMA) June 19, 2025