It's for the kids: Harley Esparza is no joke
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Article By Pastor Bob
The following is a story from FightPros.com regarding Gladiator Challenge fighter Harley Esparza, Jr. He fought at "Vision Quest" at Soboba Casino on February 21st against Zander Dumas in a bout billed as being between the #1 and #3 ranked Pankration fighters in the world at their weight. The sub-100 pound future stars exhibited some prolific MMA skills before Harley forced a referee stoppage due to an armbar he executed on Zander just a minute into the opening round. The kids got one of the most audible rounds of applause of any one fight of the night.
Stepping out in front of the lights and the crowds can be so difficult. The distractions, the noises, keep you from focusing on your opponent who looms before you. Yes, stepping into the cage can be quiet an unsettling experience for anyone, much more-so if your only 13. “What?!” “Was that a misprint,” you might be asking? Well, simply put, no. This is no misprint, this is the life of 13 year-old Harley Esparza. Harley, ranked #1 in the world in his division, took part in the first youth cage match held by a high venue.
The event was so ground breaking that UFC creator Art Davie was on hand to give a speech concerning the fight, stating, “We knew we started something big when we got this all started… now the kids are ready to step up to this level of competition. Where before kids had no idea what these techniques were or meant, now a whole generation is ready to step up” (as stated by Harley Esparza Sr.).
Fightpros: Harley, congratulations! That was a great fight. It’s hard to believe that someone so young could be involved in something like this. Here you are before a large crowd of people who are all holding ticket stubs they purchased. Your name is on the fight card. how does this feel Bud?
Harley: Like a superstar.
Fightpros: Harley, you demonstrated technique out there that would make a lot of adults jealous. How long have you been doing this?
Harley: I have been training at Muai Thai for a little while, and have been working my jujitsu techniques for about 9 months. I owe a lot of credit to my instructors Richard Arrey and Frank Romero from Riverside Submission.
Fightpros: What rank are you Harley?
Harley: After I won the match, my teacher gave me my green belt.
Fightpros: Very cool! I know you won, but how do you think you did in your match?
Harley: I did good. My opponent was good to, but I was able to get into position to win.
Fightpros: You said that you felt like a superstar.
Harley: Yes.
Fightpros: Well do you see superstardom in your future? Is the MMA world your future?
Harley: Yeah, when I am older I want to be able to compete in the UFC. That is my dream. My other dream is to be able to help kids learn jujitsu. I want to be an instructor and help kids.
Fightpros: Very commendable Harley. Well, what is next for Harley Esparza?
Harley: I have been invited by the U.S. Pankrase team to go to Poland. We will be competing against a team from the Ukraine.
Fightpros: Wow. Your gonna follow up Gladiator Challenge with an international competition? How incredible is that for a 13 year old.
Harley: Yeah, it is very cool.
As Art Davie put it, “They are ready.” The sport of MMA is no longer what it once was. No more are obscure names being pulled from around the globe to collide in a test of styles to see whose style reigns supreme. Today the sport has evolved and has gone mainstream. The sport is regulated, and it has evolved into a recognizable fighting system of its own. Where once children yearned to be in the NFL or the NBA, now they are in cages and on mats everywhere learning the styles and signatures moves of their favorite fighters. Longing themselves to one day step into the cage and inspire others with their mastery of the cage.
Harley, fighting out of Riverside, CA., has his sites set on becoming like his idols, Rampage Jackson and Urijah Fabor; world champions. With credentials and technique such as he is bringing to the fight scene, one can only wonder how long before his dreams become reality. Keep an eye open for this breed of young blood. He is walking up the road of stardom!
As always, What say you?
You can follow Pastor Bob on Twitter @pastorbobmma |
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