By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR.
Special to the PRESS
On Saturday, Jul. 27, the Texas Fight League organization will be holding its first sanctioned event, TFL1, at the South Padre Island Convention Center. The Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and Kickboxing events will be covered by Azteca TV and will feature 15 amateur and pro fights. The event is set to begin at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m.
The event will have two hometown fighters, Brayan Medina and Robert Maldonado.
Medina, a former PIHS football star running back, currently holds an MMA 1-1 amateur record fighting in the flyweight division (125 lb). Medina looks to build a winning streak when he takes on his next opponent, Ronaldo Carcamo, in TV Azteca’s Co-Main event. Carcamo is currently 1-0 with a TKO win over David Meissner back on Mar. 23. Medina won his previous bout against Vicent Sandoval via a TKO in the first round and is currently ranked #57 among active Texas amateur flyweights.
In regards to his upcoming fight, Medina stated in a promotion video, “I’m ready to put on a show. I’m going to give him the hardest challenge that he’s going to go against, for sure. Whether it’s on the ground or on our feet, we’re going to put on a show. I guarantee it.”
Meanwhile, Maldonado, a former PIHS football player himself, is scheduled to fight Eddie Flores, who will be making his MMA debut in the featherweight bout (145 lb). Maldonado lost his first bout to Jackson Huber via a split decision back in May. Although he lost the slugfest bout, it earned Maldonado “Fight of the Night” honors. Maldonado is currently ranked #102 among active Texas amateur featherweights.
Regarding his upcoming fight, “You can expect me to set the pace. I’m coming out aggressive; take him down with my stamina, and from there, break him mentally.” Said Maldonado. “I’m going to KO him or submit him.”
Matchmaker and coach Estilo Solis went on social media to promote the event. Solis remembers RGV fight promotions from a couple of years ago and wants to “jump start” the MMA, kickboxing, and submission bouts once again. “I’m trying to put south Texas on the map” when it comes to promoting local talent.
When it comes to Medina and Maldonado, coach Solis sees potential in both of them: “Those guys are gangsters; they got a crash course in striking, and they are already smashing heads.”
The official weigh-ins will be held on Friday, Jul. 26 (2 p.m.–5 p.m.) at Montana’s The Kraken Restaurant & Sports Bar on South Padre Island, TX.
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