CJ Vergara’s journey to the UFC has been anything but ordinary. The San Antonio native began his martial arts career as a teenager, running a backyard club and managing matchmaking behind the scenes.
While he competed in those backyard scraps, it was his passion for the sport that ultimately led him to pursue a professional career.
“I was 15 years old when that happened. I was a freshman in high school and I was new to the area,” Vergara said. “I was getting bullied, picked on, so I started a rumor that I was trained”
Despite not yet being enrolled in a gym, Vergara spent countless hours studying and practicing the techniques of MMA legends like Matt Hughes, Chuck Liddell, and Tito Ortiz.
He honed his skills by taking on the toughest guys on the football team until he became a formidable martial artist himself.
Vergara’s grit and determination paid off when he was signed by the UFC. This weekend, he’ll be competing in front of his hometown crowd at the AT&T Center in San Antonio. While some may feel the pressure in front of friends and family, Vergara embraces it.
“I have a massive following in San Antonio, so when I go out and perform this Saturday, it is going to put this city on the map having a fighter from the city coming up the way that I am,” he said.
Got it done QUICK ⚡️⚡️⚡️@CJVergara1991 came in to make a statement tonight! #DWCS pic.twitter.com/JyLgVQHvaC
— UFC (@ufc) September 8, 2021
Despite the pressure, Vergara remains focused and determined. He knows that every outing is an opportunity to improve and showcase his skills. And with his impressive record of 10-4-1, there’s no doubt that Vergara has what it takes to make a name for himself in the UFC.
This weekend, Vergara will be competing in front of his hometown crowd at the AT&T Center in San Antonio.