WARRIOR WISDOM

In 2012, I arrived in the U.S. and settled in California while waiting for my employment paperwork to process. During that time, I explored local martial arts gyms and began working out. As an MMA fan, it was exhilarating to train in the gym and meet other fighters. Coaches eventually invited me to spar with competing fighters, and I eagerly accepted. This led to the opportunity to compete myself, which I embraced wholeheartedly.

My first fight took place in Hayward, California, against a fighter from Gilbert Melendez’s gym, El Nino, in San Francisco. Despite being the underdog, with a record of 0-0 compared to his 8-4, I emerged victorious, kickstarting my amateur MMA career.

From that moment, I knew I was hooked on the sport.

Following this, my family relocated to Orlando, Florida, where I have proudly called American Top Team Longwood my home for over 9 years. It has been an incredible journey filled with growth, challenges, and remarkable experiences.

My training regime and fight preparation heavily depend on studying my opponent’s game and fight strategy. I engage in physically intense training, including running 9-12 miles per week, pad work, sparring sessions, speed drills, footwork drills, and strength and conditioning exercises. Daily routines are complemented by sauna sessions and ice baths. Mental strength training is equally vital, focusing on controlling emotions throughout the entire fight process. Doubts may arise, but conditioning the mind to understand the preparation and plan helps overcome them. My mental game is a significant strength I bring to the fights, along with my hard-hitting style.

I chose to become a fighter because I see it as an art form, requiring constant balance and demanding intense training, discipline, and a healthy lifestyle.

Stepping into the cage or the ring is unpredictable, much like the experience of having a baby. You’re never fully prepared until you’re in the midst of it, but once you’re there, you realize it’s not as daunting as you imagined. Being a fighter demands hard work, discipline, skill, and a positive relationship with your body.

During my childhood, around the age of 11, I faced health challenges as an overweight child. Concerned for my well-being, my mom took me to the doctor, who recommended a healthy diet and special shakes to help me lose weight. To incorporate more physical activity, she enrolled me in Tae Kwon Do. Through training after school, I shed pounds and gradually began participating in tournaments.

One of my most memorable fights was my Karate Combat debut in 2022 against a top-seated bantamweight fighter, Teik Silva. Despite limited preparation due to juggling another full-time job, I entered the fight with a clear strategy. I remained composed, targeting his legs to limit his punching power. Sticking to the game plan led to a victory.

The valuable lesson I learned was to persevere and stay committed to the plan, regardless of the challenges faced.

Fighters I admire and draw inspiration from: Tyron Spong, Nieky Holzken, Anderson Silva, Ernesto Hoost