On Saturday, October 19, 2024, Guayaquil, Ecuador, hosted the electrifying 8th edition of Liga De Fuego at Corporal Nexus Gym. With over 70 intense matchups in MMA, Boxing, kickboxing (K-1), and Muay Thai, the event brought together fighters from across Latin America and beyond, including competitors from Chile, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Argentina, and Africa. Broadcasted live on Diblu TV, the event kicked off with early morning weigh-ins and transitioned into a full day of non-stop action, showcasing the growing strength of combat sports in Ecuador.
The broadcast opened with the hosts—Manny Falquez, Liga De Fuego CEO Pancho Bajaña, Alan Napa, and Maripaz Magdeleno—welcoming viewers. Known for their active roles in Ecuador’s combat sports scene, they set the tone for the day. As the camera panned the packed venue, the anticipation for the bouts was palpable. Manny and Alan discussed the significance of this year’s edition, dubbed the “Fajador Edition,” as a platform for fighters to compete for championship belts. The day was filled with adrenaline, passion, and excitement, underscoring Liga De Fuego’s mission to elevate combat sports in Ecuador.
The Preliminary Fights
Adison Zamora Vs David Ibarra
In the MMA bout at 57kg between Adison Zamora and David Ibarra, both fighters started with a show of respect, shaking hands before heading to their corners. Adison threw the first kick and strike, which David quickly matched with his own. The pace intensified when Ibarra rushed Zamora, lifting him and slamming him to the cage floor, followed by a series of kicks. Adison quickly got back on his feet, but as the fight progressed, the referee paused the action for a rule explanation regarding MMA versus kickboxing techniques. As the second round began, Ibarra cornered Adison, landing a powerful combination of strikes. With Adison’s nose bleeding, the referee stopped the fight, declaring David Ibarra the winner by technical knockout.
Andrés “Perro Loco” Cordero Vs Jordano Sornoza
The match between Andrés “Perro Loco” Cordero and Jordano Sornoza in the 57 kg boxing division was an exciting showdown. As the fighters made their way to the cage, the commentators, Manny Falquez and Alan Napa, added humor and insight to the broadcast. Manny shared a fun anecdote about an exhibition match he had with Perro Loco, noting his experience and active presence in professional fights. The crowd rallied behind their fighters, especially Sornoza’s team, who waved a black and yellow banner. The commentators discussed how switching between MMA and boxing styles can sometimes confuse fighters, highlighting the differences in footwork and technique required for each sport.
The fight itself was fast-paced and full of action. In the first round, both fighters came out throwing power punches, testing each other’s boxing skills. A brief pause occurred when Sornoza slipped, but the referee quickly resumed the match. The second round intensified as the fighters chased each other around the cage, exchanging hard blows, with commentator Alan Napa calling it a spectacle. Manny offered insights into the differences between boxing, kickboxing, and Muay Thai styles. By the third round, both fighters were visibly tired but kept pushing until the final bell. Ultimately, the judges awarded the victory to Perro Loco after a hard-fought battle.
Aron Malagón vs. Javier Espinoza
The next matchup was a 63 KG MMA bout introduced during a post-fight interview with Manny, Alan, and Perro Loco, who discussed various fighting techniques. As they spoke, the camera captured Aron Malagón confidently stepping into the cage, fists raised in the air repping the Red Corner, in the Blue corner Javier Espinoza. Once both fighters were inside, the referee quickly reviewed the rules before the first round began. Malagón and Espinoza touched gloves, and right from the start, Malagón delivered a surprise high kick that landed squarely on Espinoza’s head. In response, Espinoza swiftly closed the distance, taking Malagón to the ground and transforming the bout into a grappling contest as both fighters sought submissions.
Round two continued the action, with both athletes exchanging kicks and engaging in grappling, relentlessly pounding each other until the final bell of round three. After an intense display of skill and determination, the judges tallied their scores, and Javier Espinoza emerged as the winner, securing victory in this hard-fought battle. At the post fight / cage side interview Manny Falcon mentioned to Espinoza, “During the opening bell in round one we were commendation in regards of see you switch your approach vs your opponent.” “Yeah I had to switch to bringing him to the floor and get him to submit”said Espinoza.
Brush Parrales Vs Jun Maza
The match between Brush Parrales and Jun Maza in the 63 kg MMA division was a thrilling display of skill, especially as Brush, a Muay Thai fighter, adapted to MMA. Commentators Manny and Alan set the tone, expressing concern about Muay Thai fighters transitioning to MMA, but Brush proved them wrong. After a respectful glove touch and hug, the fight quickly escalated, with Jun Maza landing a powerful high kick to Brush’s ribs, followed by a flurry of strikes. However, Brush responded with aggressive knee blows and a decisive head kick, securing a knockout victory in the first round within a minute. At just 16 years old, this was Brush’s fifth amateur win, having started kickboxing at age 13 and MMA at 14.
Rogel Rugel vs Antony Mejía
In the 61 kg MMA bout, Rogel Rugel from Peru faced Antony Mejía from Ecuador. Mejía, in the blue corner, started strong with a strike to Rugel’s face, sparking a fierce exchange of punches. Both fighters grappled intensely, with Mejía attempting leg sweeps and body slams. Eventually, Mejía overpowered Rugel, taking him to the ground and locking in a tight headlock. The fight turned into a grappling contest, with Mejía securing a powerful guillotine choke, putting Rugel to sleep and winning by submission in just 1:35 and brings his fight record to 5-2.
Adrián Quevedo vs. Eric Laica
In a highly anticipated K-1 bout at 63 kg, Adrian Quevedo faced off against Eric Laica, with commentators Manny and Alan providing insight into the differences between K-1 and MMA. Manny explained, “The main differences between K-1 boxing and MMA are the types of techniques allowed, the ranges of movement, and the fighting styles that can be used.” He highlighted that K-1 focuses solely on striking techniques like punches, kicks, knees, and sweeps, while MMA encompasses a broader range of techniques, including grappling and submissions. The fighters compete in a ring for K-1 bouts, in contrast to the cage used in MMA, and each sport requires distinct training and gear.
As the bell rang to signal the start of the first round, Quevedo and Laica circled each other, exchanging jabs while assessing each other’s weaknesses. The fighters engaged in small scuffles and attempted high kicks, looking for openings. However, by the second round, the intensity escalated dramatically. Quevedo unleashed a barrage of strikes and powerful kicks, reminiscent of a sibling rivalry, delivering several impactful blows. Ultimately, a well-timed low kick during Laica’s guard change sent him crashing to the mat at the 46-second mark, leaving the audience gasping and concerned for his well-being, as Quevedo secured a decisive victory. This was Quevedo’s first professional fight , with 18 wins in Ammeter Kickboxing.
Erick Fajardo vs. Miguel Labrador (Main Card)
In a thrilling K-1 bout at 75 kg, Erick Fajardo faced off against Miguel Labrador, both fighters locked in an intense stare as the match began. Within just 10 seconds, Fajardo unleashed a series of knee blows and high kicks, forcing Miguel into defensive mode. In a moment of high momentum, Miguel attempted a flying knee, but Erick evaded, causing Miguel to crash hard into the cage, prompting an “Ohhh!” from the crowd. After the referee reset the match, Miguel retaliated with some solid low kicks. As the bell rang to end the first round, both fighters exchanged smirks, eyeing each other as they returned to their corners. The second round saw Fajardo deliver uppercuts, an overhand, and a hard liver shot, only for Miguel to respond with a liver shot of his own. The action continued fiercely into the third round, culminating in a decision by the judges that awarded Erick Fajardo the LDF Championship Belt.
Jandri Ruiz vs. Richard Macias (Lowkick 54 KG) (Main Card)
The next fight was a Lowkick bout 54 KG first round kicked off with Richard Macias charging in aggressively, unleashing a flurry of jabs and kicks. After a brief stoppage from the referee, the action resumed, with Macias landing several kicks and rib shots that kept Jandri Ruiz on the defensive. Both fighters exchanged powerful high kicks to the ribs and head, maintaining a fierce pace throughout the round. At just 17 years old, Jandri, hailing from the Dominican Republic, has already earned respect in the local combat sports scene, with the crowd leaning toward Richard as the round concluded.
However, the second round marked a shift in momentum, as Jandri turned the tables with a series of hard-hitting exchanges. The intensity escalated, leading the fight to be decided by the judges, who awarded the victory to Jandri Ruiz earning him the LDF championship belt. A rising star in the sport, Ruiz began his journey at 14 years old training in Kickboxing and has already amassed over 30 wins as an amateur fighter, proving that age is just a number when it comes to talent and determination.
Martin Robalino vs. Jesus Vilela (Main Card)
This is a K1 57KG bout with the first round kicked off with an explosive exchange of high knees, kicks, and uppercuts, reminiscent of a classic Street Fighter game battle between Ken and Ryu. Both fighters showcased their skills in the cage, but as the round progressed, it became evident that Jesus Vilela was starting to tire, while Martin Robalino gained momentum and confidence. The intensity of the match set the stage for an exciting showdown.
As the second round began, Robalino unleashed a series of fast and powerful jabs that put Vilela on the defensive. Commentator Manny highlighted Robalino’s impressive lineage, noting that his cousin was among the first Muay Thai teachers in Thailand and had returned to Peru to train Martin. Despite a few attempts at uppercuts from Vilela, the action continued to escalate. The third round saw a brief interruption when Robalino received a low blow, prompting the referee to stop the fight momentarily. Once resumed, the fighters engaged in a relentless brawl, with the judges ultimately ruling in favor of Martin Robalino by unanimous decision. At just 15 years old, this marked Robalino’s 24th fight, primarily in Peru, where Muay Thai is a significant sport, earning him the LDF championship belt.
Damián De La Cruz vs Alessandro Pazmiño (Co-Main)
In the 57 kg MMA Co-Main Event, Damian de La Cruz, fighting from the blue corner, faced off against Alessandro Pazmino in the red corner. The match began with both fighters meeting in the center of the cage, exchanging a few light jabs. In a surprising move, Alessandro charged at Damian, lifting him and executing a body slam that echoed through the venue, eliciting gasps and “ohhhh” from the crowd. This intense start transitioned into a fierce grappling exchange, with both fighters trading punches and elbows as they fought for control on the ground.
As the second round commenced, the action escalated with hard punches exchanged between the two, culminating in an aggressive triangle attempt by Alessandro. Just as it seemed he was on the verge of victory, the bell rang, signaling the end of the round. The third round featured a tense struggle in various positions against the cage, with Damian initially appearing to take the lead. However, he ultimately gained the upper hand, locking Alessandro in a guillotine choke. Despite Alessandro’s efforts to escape with ineffective elbow strikes, he was forced to tap out just one second before the round ended, prompting a collective gasp from the audience. This decisive victory awarded Damian de La Cruz the LDF Championship Belt, solidifying his position in the sport.
The Main Event: Luis Barrera vs. Aron Giler
In the main event of the night, Luis Barrera faced Aron Giler in an exciting 85 kg MMA bout. From the outset, both fighters unleashed a flurry of heavy and fast strikes, with Luis carefully studying Aron as they exchanged blows and grappled across the cage, punctuated by last-minute low kicks at the end of the first round. The intensity continued into the second round and built through to the third, where both fighters found themselves on the floor, visibly exhausted and pinned against the cage. Luis attempted multiple submissions on Aron, but the round ended with both still battling fiercely. As commentators Manny, Pancho, and Alan discussed their predictions, the judges ultimately ruled in favor of Aron Giler, awarding him the victory and the LDF Championship Belt. Giler is only 18 years old.
