Guanajuato, Mexico – In recent years, Guanajuato has become a thriving center of mixed martial arts (MMA) talent. With a new generation of fighters making their mark in the ring, this region is quickly gaining recognition on both the national and international stage.
According to Rodrigo Vázquez of El Sol de León, MMA has recently found its place in Guanajuato. Pioneers of the sport, originally known as ‘vale todo’, include Carlos “Sensei” Torres and Elvis Elizondo, both of whom appeared on XFL, XFC and laid the groundwork more than two decades ago. Today, the evolution of training techniques and methodologies has paved the way for an impressive roster of athletes.
Stars In The Cage
Among Guanajuato ‘s top fighters is Karla “La Duraznito” Torres, who recently defended her 115-pound championship at Supreme Fight Night in Leon. Her impressive victory over Argentina’s Giuliana “La Hiena” Cosnard demonstrated her skills and determination. Another standout is Leon’s Montserrat Conejo Ruiz, who has fought in professional leagues such as UFC,Invicta and won the 115-pound title with Maximum Fighting and Xtreme Fighters Latino.
Salamanca’s Alan “Pichungas” Ruiz has also made a splash, winning the 145-pound championship at the Budo Sento Championship in February 2023. Although he faced a setback against Daniel “Cazador” Salas later that year, his journey highlights the competitive spirit of Guanajuato’s fighters.
Veteran Erick “Chucky” Montelongo adds depth to the talent pool, with over a decade of experience with a 5-11-1 record in various promotions, including Lux Fight League and Combate Global. He is joined by Francisco ‘Frank Der Krieger‘ Arellano, who has competed in Budo Sento and World Fighter Championship Mexico, further showcasing the region’s diverse talent.
Erick “Chucky” Montelongo, Image courtesy of Combate Global
Emerging Talent
Guanajuato is also home to a new generation of martial artists who are making waves in amateur competitions before making the transition to the professional scene. Leading this charge is Christian “Alakrán” Torres, a bronze medalist at the IMMAF 2019 World Amateur Championships. Since his professional debut in 2021, he has maintained an impressive undefeated streak, winning eight consecutive fights between MMA nations and the Budo Sento Championship.
Other notable talents include Juan Pablo Sandoval, who recently won Bronze at Abu Dhabi 2024, and Valeria Gomez, runner-up in her category in 2021. Recent competitors such as Obdulia GarciaDaniel “Hunter” Lopez and Camila Reyes have also won medals, reinforcing Guanajuato’ s status as an incubator of talent in the world of MMA.
With its vibrant fight community and rising stars, Guanajuato is undoubtedly on its way to becoming a major player in the Mixed Martial Arts arena. Keep an eye on this region as it continues to produce champions and elevate the sport.
