For Zuriel “Smiley” Pérez, mixed martial arts are more than competition. Behind his smile is a fighter who openly acknowledges his fears, values his family’s support, and continues working toward becoming a better athlete. In an exclusive interview with Fajador Media, Pérez shares the personal motivations behind his journey.
Zuriel “Smiley” Pérez: Finding Freedom Inside the Cage
Despite competing professionally, Zuriel “Smiley” Pérez describes himself as shy and sometimes afraid. However, stepping into the cage gives him a sense of freedom he rarely experiences elsewhere. His nickname reflects his genuine love for fighting. Even during difficult moments, Pérez finds happiness in doing what he loves.
He admits that he sometimes struggles to believe he has the courage to compete, but inside the cage, he feels comfortable expressing himself without worrying about what others think. For Pérez, courage is not about eliminating fear but learning to face it while pursuing his passion.
Learning From Defeat and Building a Complete Fighter
Following a defeat in August, Pérez returned to competition and secured a unanimous decision victory over Alex “Joy Boy” Ortiz at BUDO Sento Championship 37 on October 16, 2026. Reflecting on his development, Pérez recognizes that achieving his goals requires greater discipline, consistency, and dedication.
His parents and training partner Sebastián “El Sol” Tóriz are among his greatest inspirations. He particularly admires Tóriz’s discipline and determination to improve. Looking ahead, Pérez hopes to become a complete mixed martial artist, capable of performing effectively whether a fight remains standing or moves to the ground.
Rather than presenting himself as a finished fighter, he openly acknowledges the areas he needs to improve.
Family, Motivation, and the Meaning Behind the Smile
Family plays a central role in Pérez’s journey. He does not view the demands of training as sacrifices but as part of pursuing his dreams. His parents’ support motivates him to keep improving, although he admits feeling responsible for making their efforts worthwhile.
When asked about the legacy he hopes to leave, Pérez focuses on something beyond victories and titles.He wants to inspire others to face challenges without being intimidated by their opponents or physical differences, while always remembering to enjoy the experience.
For Zuriel “Smiley” Pérez, mixed martial arts represent freedom, personal growth, and happiness. His journey is still being written, but one thing remains clear: even when fear is present, he chooses to face it with a smile.
