The growth of combat sports in Ecuador faces a number of challenges, such as power outages and, at times, a lack of adequate infrastructure. Despite these obstacles, the C.E.O of League of FirePancho Bajaña is determined to take combat sports in the country to a new level. With great enthusiasm, he is preparing for one of the most electrifying events in the field of martial arts: Liga de Fuego returns with its 8th Edition! 8th Edition! This event will be held on Saturday , October 19 , 2024 at The Nexus Body Gym at Guayaquil and promises to be an unforgettable day full of non-stop action, with over 60+ intense Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), kickboxing and Muay Thai.
For combat sports fans, this is a unique opportunity to see some of the best athletes from Ecuador and beyond fighting in the ring. The event will be broadcast on Diblu TVan online sports streaming service in Guayaquil. When I asked Pancho Bajaña what this event represents for Combat sports in Ecuador, he replied :
“This event represents an opportunity to demonstrate that, despite adversity, the fighting spirit and passion of athletes shine brightest.”
Their commitment and enthusiasm are a reflection of the potential of these sports in the country.
Location: Nexus Corporal Gym, Via Narcisa de Jesus, Guayaquil, Ecuador
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Date: Saturday, October 19, 2024
List Of Fighters
The upcoming Liga de Fuego 8th Edition promises to be an exciting showcase of Ecuadorian combat sports talent, with MMA, Muay Thai and kickboxing bouts lighting up the arena this Saturday, October 19. The event will begin with early morning weigh-ins and move on to a full day of adrenaline-filled confrontations. Among the most anticipated fights will be a showdown between Aaron Giler y Luis “Lusho” Barrera. With both fighters eager to proveWith both fighters eager to prove their worth in the cage, this showdown has fans buzzing with excitement. Barrera, a local hero from Guayaquil, has proven his prowess in previous fights, while Giler, a native of Quito, remains undefeated in his amateur career, is undefeated in his amateur MMA career. MMA career .
Luis Barrera has earned a reputation as a tough and skilled competitor, earning several victories in his recent fights. Known for his ground game and submission skills, Barrera’s victories have come via a mix of rear-naked chokes and guillotine submissions, showcasing his versatility. His most recent victory came via technical knockout in February 2024 in the Trunk Fighting Leagueadding to an impressive string of victories. Barrera’s fighting style is methodical and he will be looking to add another win to his record, especially on his home turf in Guayaquil.
On the other side of the cage is Aaron Giler, a heavyweight from Quito, who comes into this fight with an undefeated amateur record of 2-0. Giler’ s fighting style is aggressive and he often dominates his opponents with strikes. His most recent fight in April 2023 saw him secure a unanimous decision victory and he is eager to keep his winning streak alive. Fans are eager to see how Giler’ s raw power stacks up against Barrera’s technical prowess, making this one of the most anticipated fights of the night.
However, the road to this Liga de Fuego event has not been without obstacles. Originally scheduled for October 12, the event was delayed due to the ongoing electricity crisis in Ecuador. Widespread power outages, lasting up to 10 hours a day, have disrupted daily life throughout the country, affecting the economy and creating logistical challenges for event organizers. The crisis, caused by insufficient investment in the country’s energy infrastructure, has added an additional layer of tension to the proceedings, with fans hoping the lights stay on long enough for the fights to take place.
Despite the challenges, the spirit of Ecuadorian combat sports remains intact. La Liga de Fuego not only offers an escape from the country’s current struggles, but also serves as a stage where fighters like Barrera and Giler can overcome the odds and showcase their talent. When fans gather this Saturday, they will witness not only a series of fights, but also stories of perseverance and determination, reflecting the resilience of both fighters and the nation as a whole.
Ecuador’s Thriving Combat Sports Scene
Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city, has long been a center for combat sports and has hosted some of the region’s most important events. The Liga de Fuego has become a prominent event for the local and regional fight community , thanks in part to its ability to attract talent from all over Ecuador and neighboring countries such as Peru and Venezuela.
Francisco “Pancho” Bajaña, head coach of the Escuela de Alto Rendimiento 8 Armas Team, Muay Thai black belt and promoter of the upcoming event, shared his enthusiasm for what lies ahead.
“We have scheduled between 60+ bouts between local Ecuadorian athletes and wrestlers from neighboring countries.”
Pancho said in a phone interview with Fajador.co. “It’s all about fostering the growth and passion for combat sports here: MMA, Muay Thai, K1, everything.
‘The event promises to be an important platform for up-and-coming talent, boosting the love for combat sports in the region,” Pancho said.
La Liga de Fuego is more than just a series of fights; it is a celebration of Ecuadorian athleticism and sportsmanship, a place where fighters from different backgrounds and disciplines can showcase their skills. This event is a testament to the growing popularity of combat sports in Ecuador and Latin America as a whole, with MMA, kickboxing and Muay Thai continuing to gain momentum in the region.
Fighters from The Best Martial Arts Academies will compete in hopes of capturing one of the coveted Fire League Championship Belts.. These belts are not just trophies; they represent the warrior spirit and hard work that each fighter brings to the ring. In addition to the belts, winners will also receive medals and exclusive gym memberships, which serve as additional incentives for these warriors to push their limits.
Fire League: A Family Event
While the League of Fire is known for its fierce competition, it is also a family event. Organizers have made sure that everyone from the youngest fans to the most seasoned veterans have something to enjoy. With entertainment and activities designed for all ages, it’s a great opportunity for families to come together and experience first-hand the thrill of combat sports.
For those of us who live in Guayaquil, this is more than just a sporting event. It is part of the city’s culture and reflects its deep connection to athletic excellence. Guayaquil is recognized as part of the the Latin American Network of Sports CitiesA testament to the city’s dedication to promoting physical activity and sportsmanship at all levels.
The Spirit of the Fire League
The motto of Liga de Fuego is clear: it’s all about heart, determination and warrior spirit. This year’s edition promises to offer all that and more. The fighters who step into the ring are not just competing for titles; they are fighting to represent their cities, their countries and themselves. It’s an event that showcases not only physical strength, but also the dedication and sacrifice involved in being a fighter.
Whether you’re a die-hard combat sports fan or someone simply looking for an exciting way to spend a Saturday, League of Fire 8th Edition has something for everyone. From MMA to kickboxing to Muay Thai, this event promises non-stop action from start to finish.
So buy your tickets, mark your calendars and get ready to witness some of the best combat athletes Ecuador has to offer. It’s time for the fighters to step into the ring and ignite the flame of competition. Don’t miss out, see you this Saturday in Guayaquil!
