When it comes to "combat" sports, boxing is the sport of choice for many Latinos. But with the growing popularity of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Latinos, and especially American Latinos, are starting to take note and are quickly becoming more interested in MMA.  Latinos are known to have a fighting spirit, which is why they are drawn to sports such as Boxing, Judo, Karate, and Tae Kwon Do. They already represent some of the top athletes in the world in these combat sports.  MMA will be no exception.

In fact, the creation of MMA can be attributed to Latinos through the Gracie family from Brazil. The Gracie family created Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), the cornerstone of MMA. It was the Gracie family who came to the United States to teach BJJ and started the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in the 1990s. The UFC is the most sought after and most popular MMA competiton in the United States. According to Josh Nason, contributing writer to Fight Magazine, "The UFC is to mixed martial arts what the MLB is to baseball."

Latinos are not only becoming fans of the sport but are also competing in circuits all over the country. One organization that promotes professional MMA matches is "Ring of Combat (ROC)," started by kickboxing champion Lou Neglia. ROC is considered to be the top and longest running MMA organizations in the Northeast. Ring of Combat gives fighters an opportunity to compete on a professional level in fights that take place every few months at the Tropicana hotel in Atlantic City, NJ.  ROC is also known for featuring up and coming fighters. As many as 32 ROC alumni fighters have gone on to compete in the UFC. Many of the fighters who compete in Ring of Combat are Latinos.

My Latino Voice had the opportunity to attend Ring of Combat XXVII and to talk to Lou Neglia and ROC XXVII heavyweight champion Ricardo Romero.





Stay tuned for more coverage of Ring of Combat and MMA on My Latino Voice.

ROC fight card

Craig Carton of NY FAN Radio Visits ROC



Alessandra Alma, My Latino Voice, and Craig


Introduction of UFC FIghters by Lou Neglia



Lou Neglia, ROC Head and Promoter



Fighter Anthony Morrison Wins Featherweight Belt



Ricardo Romero Prepares for Battle



Ricardo Romero



Ricardo Romero Takes Down His Opponent