San Angelo Teen Making MMA Debut in Midland

“I’m feeling good. A lot of training, a lot of hard work. I’m ready for it,” Arredondo said ahead of his debut.

Arredondo began martial arts after watching UFC fights and admiring former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt. He competed at the youth level nationally and internationally, winning a Gamma Youth National Championship in Little Rock, Arkansas, before traveling to Greece to represent the United States at the world level.

“I felt a lot more pressure for that fight just because it was overseas,” he said. “But this is something I’ve been looking forward to for years, and it’s finally here.”

Arredondo trains under Conrad Duran, head instructor at Redemption Jiu Jitsu and a San Angelo native, along with striking coaches at No Excuses MMA. Duran said his fighter is “more than ready” for the challenge.

“I feel like he was more than ready," Duran said. "He feels good. He feels sharp. He’s steady, ready, and I know he’s out there trying to get the win in any way, whether it’s if he has to wrestle, stand and trade, or use his jiu jitsu. He’s well-rounded in every fashion." 

Arredondo said representing San Angelo adds motivation. “Coming from San Angelo, a small town, there's a lot of friends and support for me — it’s pretty cool,” he said.

Arredondo plans to continue building his amateur record before turning professional. His long-term goal is to reach the UFC.

“In five years, I want to be in the UFC,” Arredondo said. “I just need to get a good undefeated record, try to get on the Contender Series, and build myself from there.”

The fight will stream on pay-per-view through the promotion’s website and will also be shown locally at Shenanigans Sports Bar and Grill in San Angelo, where friends and family plan to gather.