Countdown to Belize vs. Mexico
In one week, eight Belizeans and eight Mexicans will literally bring blood, sweat and tears for the glory of representing their country in a sport that is growing in Belize….that’s mixed martial arts. The Belizeans fighters are from Dangriga, Corozal and Belize City, while the eight Mexicans are from neighbouring Quintana Roo. News Five took a trip across the border and the Mexicans think that they will return home with a sweep and win all eight fights.
Jose Sanchez, Reporting
Local fighters are preparing for the match of their lives in Belize City. But on the shores of Chetumal in Mexico, eight fighters are working tremendously to score victories for their country. In the title fight, Belize Defense Force Airwing Commander Adran “Ram” Ramirez will be in the first heavyweight MMA title belt in Belize. Ram will go up against Mexican national Juan Rojas.
Juan Rojas
Juan Rojas, Mexican Fighter
“We are inviting all Belizeans to support the sport. It’s a sport that is growing with the help of Sensei Kelly. This is why we are having these events, so that you can attend and see the sport grow. And to all the young people in Belize. I’m hoping that you take up the sport. It’s a noble sport, like any other discipline. It’s well-rounded and it will give you many benefits; personally and health-wise. It’s an excellent discipline.”
Some fighters have years of experience.
Eddie Pech, Mexican Fighter
“I am a mixed martial arts fighter. I have been fighting for five years and I invite everyone to take it up. We will be fighting in Belize and I hope to give it my all and bring victory home. I’m not afraid; I’m ready for anything.”
Eddie Pech
Vargas, Mexican Fighter
“I don’t know who I will be fighting but when we meet in the cage only one will be victorious. One will be left bloody and knocked out and I will not be that person. So prepare yourself because we will carry the Mexican flag very high.”
Even the experienced fighters know that this can be a blood sport, even in training.
Randy Gonzalez, Mexican Fighter
“My name is Randy Gonzalez but to you, I’m Pitbull. I will go to Belize and give it my all. My specialty is boxing and knocking out fighters. I hope that my opponent is also strong.”
Randy Gonzalez
Carlos Ramon, Mexican Fighter
“I am twenty-one years old and this will be my debut fight in this sport. I have a year and a half experience. I hope to give a good fight and I invite you all to come and see it, as we do our best.”
Armando, Mexican Fighter
“This will be my first fight and I hope that the Belizean public are happy with our performance.”
Reporter
“How important is it for you to represent your country?”
Kristian Usher
Kristian Usher, Fighter, Prevail MMA
“Well it’s very important being a young guy and the violence that happens in Belize. I try to direct my energy elsewhere. I mean most people take fighting as a bad part, but I try to think of it as a good thing. After work I come straight to training, couple hours…by six o’clock I’m here to train—tired but try to get that training in. Coach says cardio is the main thing so I try to get that cardio in and try to prevail at the end of the fight. The last couple fights have been real energetic and most Belizean fans yell “Go Belize” against Mexico. Everybody come out and have a good time. It’s a family event. Enjoy having a live event, right here in Belize; an MMA in Belize.”
Joel Meyer, Fighter, Prevail MMA
Joel Meyer
“Every Belizean wants to see Mexico get whipped. In that regard it is important. But really, MMA is in its infancy in Belize. So we are just trying to bring some awareness to it. People who may be boxing fans or martial arts fans to say hey this is here. I mean everybody loves UFC, everybody watches UFC, but not many people know that there is MMA in Belize. So we are just trying to get it out there; let people know that we are here training, we got some great young athletes—that are very gifted—who will do well in the world of MMA. You see here we’ve got some heavyweights, some lightweights, some middleweights and we are just working our striking, working our wrestling, working our jujitsu and tightening our game and get reach to take it to the Mexicans.”
