For centuries, men have tested each other’s mettle in combat
sports, measuring their fighting skills as well as their courage in
the process.
Scott Akanewich – Special to the Dispatch
For centuries, men have tested each other’s mettle in combat sports, measuring their fighting skills as well as their courage in the process.
From the Roman Colosseum to the modern-day boxing ring, times may have changed, but one thing remains the same – the burning desire in the hearts of men who wish to prove themselves superior to their opponents in the arena of battle.
Anthony “AntDawg” Figueroa is another is this long line of combatants.
These days, the 28-year-old Gilroy native is surrounded by a cage where he throws blows as a mixed-martial arts pugilist, just as he will Friday at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, as part of the Strikeforce Tournament Series.
Figueroa will be putting his 3-1 record with one knockout up against fellow bantamweight Pete Sabala, who brings a 2-4 record into the bout.
Figueroa started out as a traditional boxer and then a kickboxer before meeting the man that would forever change his destiny as a fighter.
The man is Cung Le, a legendary martial artist who inspired Figueroa to convert to this new-school form of controlled violence, combining elements of the full spectrum of fisticuffs – ranging from boxing to wrestling to karate to tae kwon do to you-name-it.
Four years ago, Figueroa began training under Le, who is headlining the Strikeforce card with a 20-0 record, at Le’s martial arts studio and has been hooked ever since on the sport that made Chuck Liddell and Randy Couture household names amongst the mainstream American sporting public.
Figueroa credits Le for his newfound success in this still-growing sport.
“He’s been a great mentor,” said Figueroa. “His work ethic is great.”
Although he fights with a rage inside the cage, he is still a family man at heart, the father of three said.
“I still have to find time to be a dad,” said Figueroa, whose rigorous training regimen is scheduled around his family life, as well as a career as a quality technician with a local medical company.
But his loved ones understand.
“It takes a lot of sacrifice, but they believe in me – they support me,” he said of his longtime girlfriend and three children.
Due to the fact MMA is a combination of fighting disciplines, these warriors must be proficient at all aspects, although each has a distinct style all his own.
This usually stems from the fighter’s background – a former boxer is more likely to be a “stand-up” fighter, throwing traditional punches while on his feet – while a wrestler is more inclined to employ a “ground game,” in which he’ll try to pin or force his opponent into submission.
“MMA is a mixture,” said Figueroa. “You have to be able to apply and defend everything.”
As for the different enclosure, Figueroa sees that as an advantage over the traditional ropes of a boxing ring.
In other words, there’s nowhere to run, nowhere to hide.
“The cage is a lot better,” he said. “It’s easier to trap an opponent than against ropes.”
As for strategy, not too much scouting goes into each opponent, said Figueroa.
“I know what his main thing is, but I’m not worried about what he’s going to do,” he said. “I just try to impose my will on him.”
Despite its brutality, the mental games that go on inside the fighter’s head also play a large role in the outcome – not just during the fight itself, but more importantly, during the preparation.
“I just try to get better and more well-rounded,” said Figueroa. “Then, when I enter the cage, I’m focused, ready-to-go and everything becomes natural – my mind’s kind of blank.”
This is when the family man becomes a blood-thirsty gladiator with bad intentions.
During one of his fights, he suffered cuts above both eyes, which spurred him on even more, he said.
“You cut me, so now I’m going to get you,” is what went through his mind.
Conversely, when he lands a well-placed punch or kick that draws blood from his opponent, the killer instinct kicks in.
“It makes you want to finish the fight,” said Figueroa.
One thing you can certainly count on is when Anthony Figueroa steps into the cage Friday night, it will be all business.
“I’m going to test the skill and will of my opponent,” he said. “I’m ready to go.”
