Living and training in Phuket, Thailand, Roger Huerta is still dead set on getting back into the Bellator cage. The former UFC, ONE Championship and now Bellator welterweight is training with the sole purpose of fighting again.
In Phuket, where the city is fighting COVID-19 like the rest of the world, he recognizes that the government is starting to relax some of the restrictions on life. “Things started to open this May, some restaurants are open although you can only sit outside [to eat],” he added, “Gyms are still closed although they will open the beginning of July.” He noted that you still have to wear masks in public. “When I’m running outside, you have to put it on,” he said. This has inhibited some of his runs. He admits to having a mask handy but not wearing it while running due to the constrictions of cardio, heat and the fact that he is not around anyone while training. While he recognizes the ravages of the virus, Huerta is stalwart in his belief that this is not meant to kill him. “To be honest, I don’t think that corona is going to take me out of this planet.” While he jokingly said he still doesn’t know what will, he abides by the social distancing guidelines.
Huerta, who has lost his last 3 Bellator matchups, is still eager to fight. “As soon as Bellator gives me the green light, I will be one of the first ready to fight.” Huerta has not fought since November when he lost to Sidney Outlaw via unanimous decision at Bellator 234 in Israel.
Huerta graced the cover of Sports Illustrated in 2007. He was the first mixed martial artists to ever be on the front cover. He was 6-2 in the UFC with Fight of the Night victories over Jason Dent, Leonard Garcia and Clay Guida. He tied the UFC record for most wins in a calendar year with 5.
As for the question of age, the 36-year-old jokes, “Yoel Romero is doing his thing, I’m just keeping up with him. Huerta makes reference to the 43-year-old former Olympian that continues to fight at a high level coming off of a title fight loss to Israel Adesanya this past December. Huerta has a pro-record of 24-12 and 4-9 in Bellator. Yet, he feels that his body is holding up and trains daily in preparation for his next time in the cage. He notes he spars less and pay more attention to his body. He trains with a heart rate monitor to keep a close track of his fitness level.
Although 36, his body still has much to give. Huerta took some time away from his MMA career several years back, to pursue acting. He started in the live action motion picture, Tekken and also had a role in film called, Circle of Pain. “It’s not for me,” professed Huerta who maintains that he is singularly thinking about his MMA career right now and not looking to a post-fighting career.
“Fighting is my priority, my religion. This is everything.”
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