When it comes to mixed martial arts, inarguably the pinnacle of a fighter’s professional career is reaching the UFC and doing battle in its fabled Octagon. While North Texas has had more than a couple of homegrown fighters reach this apex, the newest entrant from this region into the UFC roster is McKinney’s Edwin “El Feroz” Figueroa (7-0).
Trained by the legendary Saekson Janjira, Figueroa’s Muay Thai technique has seen him beat a venerable who’s who of Texas bantamweights, including a title winning TKO of Johnny Bedford. That win earned Figueroa the King of Kombat bantamweight title. Not bad for a fighter who has fought through a pretty inactive schedule for most of his nearly three year career. But, to hear Figueroa tell it, fighting is in his blood.
“I started in boxing when I was six but I didn’t start train seriously for fighting until I was 14,” Figueroa stares on UFC.com. “My father boxed back in El Salvador and he got me started by training me at home. I’m basically just following my father’s footsteps and making his dream – one of his children becoming a professional athlete – come true.”
However, this may soon change as Figueroa readies to make his UFC debut this Saturday night on the preliminary portion of UFC Fight Night 24. Unfortunately for Figueroa, his assignment for the night is no easy task as he goes up against the surging Michael McDonald (11-1). McDonald is fast-rising star and as tenacious as a fighter can be. But, McDonald does love to stand and bang which may play into Figueroa’s strength.
The jump to the UFC is a moment some fighters can only dream about. For Figueroa it represents a sense of accomplishment and pride. This also serves as motivation for Figueroa to do all he can do to win.
“To fight in the UFC is my dream come true. I’ve been training and fighting all my life and all my life people have been telling me how much potential I have and how special I am. I know I belong here and now I finally get to show why.”
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