The rise of Victor Altamirano: Mexico’s next flyweight star?

In the mixed martial arts (MMA) industry, there is nothing that draws fans’ attention as much as the emergence of a new hero. Once in a while there is a fighter who comes to the limelight of fans, analysts, and promoters in the course of his fight. Mexico is one of the countries with a long history of combat sports and especially boxing; the next contender to join the UFC flyweight division might be Victor Altamirano. The story of how a man with no background in fighting went from a small town to the UFC is a story of perseverance, talent, and determination to become a star.

Here, in this article, we will discuss Victor Altamirano and his journey to the MMA, his fighting technique, and his place among the Mexican MMA fighters in the UFC flyweight division. We will also look at his chances of becoming the next face of MMA in Mexico and his prospects in what is arguably one of the toughest divisions in the UFC.

The Early Days: From the Small Start to the MMA Goal

This is the story of Victor Altamirano, who, like most fighters, grew up in a lower-working-class environment where dreams of athletic success appear out of reach. Born in Mexico, a nation that has traditionally seen boxing as the leading martial art, Altamirano was not an MMA enthusiast at first. However, as was the case with many of his contemporaries, he was attracted to boxing. Mexico has produced legends in the boxing ring like Julio César Chávez, Canelo Álvarez, and Juan Manuel Márquez, so boxing became the perfect outlet for young athletes seeking a way out of poverty.

But what Altamirano discovered soon was that his love was not limited to the sweet science of boxing alone. The increase of MMA as a sport and as entertainment all over the world and especially in Latin America did not escape his notice. He understood that MMA was another way, a way where he could strike while also having the grappling, submission, and other skills at his disposal. Altamirano started practicing in different martial arts such as Brazilian jiu-jitsu, wrestling, and Muay Thai, and within a short span of time, he was fighting in local MMA organizations.

Altamirano’s early fights demonstrated potential, but like many up-and-coming fighters, he had problems. It is not for the weakhearted; it is a game that needs determination, perseverance, and flexibility to meet new challenges. What Altamirano found out was that in MMA, there was a lot more than strength and conditioning involved, including the mental side of things. He started practicing the strategy and started fighting with higher-ranked wrestlers, and gradually the world started recognizing him.

Climbing the Ranks: Altamirano’s Path to the UFC

It was not a fairy tale rise to the UFC for Victor Altamirano. As is the case with many fighters, one has to pay a few initial dues in less-known promotions before the UFC comes calling. His first fights for the Mexican and American regional promotions demonstrated his potential as a versatile fighter that can finish fights both on the stand-up and on the ground.

This was his big break in DWCS, which has been a proving ground for the UFC talent in recent years. Altamirano was at his best when performing on the show. Then in August 2021, he fought Carlos Candelario in a flyweight fight to decide his UFC career. Altamirano won the fight by split decision, and the victory was enough to get the attention of UFC President Dana White to sign him for the organization.

This particular victory is a turning point in Altamirano’s professional career. He is no longer an obscure fighter fighting in local circuits; he is now a UFC fighter who can challenge the best flyweight fighters in the world. This was a dream come true for the young Mexican fighter, but he was aware that the hard work was just beginning. The UFC is the highest level of MMA, and to remain at that level, it takes more than talent; it takes hard work, focus, and the ability to handle the stress that comes with fighting around the world.

Fighting Style: A Well-Rounded Flyweight

The second strength of Victor Altamirano is his fighting style. In the UFC’s flyweight division, where speed, agility, and endurance are critical, Altamirano has exhibited versatility. The striking, which he learned from his boxing days, is sharp and impactful. This is done through using jabs, hooks, and leg kicks to maintain distance as he looks for better opportunities to land powerful shots. Thus, the skills to battle from range and at close quarters make him a deadly man on his feet.

While Altamirano is definitely a striking specialist, what sets him apart is his striking to grappling combination. In contemporary MMA, the fighters are required to be well rounded, and Altamirano has a great ground game in addition to the stand-up. He has demonstrated great ability to avoid the takedown and keep his opponent from taking him to the ground. And when the fight does go to the ground, he is not new to submission. He has been able to win through rear-naked choke and guillotine, among other categories, thanks to his Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills.

Most importantly, Altamirano has the type of cardio that is vital in the flyweight division. At 125 pounds, fighters are expected to keep up a fast work rate for three to five rounds, and Altamirano has demonstrated time and time again that he can force the issue without getting winded. This striking, ground and pound, and stamina make him a versatile fighter capable of giving a hard time to some of the best fighters in the division.

The Mexican Influence in MMA

Victor Altamirano’s arrival is timely as more Mexican fighters are making their way to the UFC. Mexico has long been famous for boxing, and only recently have people started to notice that it produces many good MMA fighters. Such a trend has been supported in part by the increasing interest in MMA in Mexico and Latin America and the activities of the UFC to popularize the sport in the region.

The best-known Mexican fighter of the recent years is Brandon Moreno, the first Mexican-born fighter who became the UFC champion. The progression of Moreno to the top of the flyweight division and the subsequent title win over Figueiredo have encouraged other Mexican fighters like Altamirano. Through this fight, Moreno has demonstrated that Mexican fighters are capable of excelling in the MMA circuit, and a fan base has quickly developed to support him and other fighters from Mexico and throughout the globe.

The victory of some fighters, including Moreno, Yair Rodríguez, and Irene Aldana, is crucial in the creation of a good environment for MMA in such a country. MMA gyms are beginning to appear all over the country, and the young fighters are introduced to the sport at a young age. Thus, the next generation of Mexican talents, such as Altamirano, is more versatile and ready for the trials of the MMA on the top tier.

The UFC has also considered the Mexican market as crucial. Finally, in 2023, the UFC declared on opening a Performance Institute in Mexico City, similar to the ones in Las Vegas and Shanghai. This facility will aid Mexican fighters in attaining training, nutrition, and recovery that will place them on par with the rest of the world in the advancement of MMA talent in the country.

He is in the new generation of Mexican fighters, and his victory in the UFC can only help to strengthen the sport in Mexico. If the country keeps on churning out championship-caliber fighters, Altamirano’s ascension might well coincide with the Mexican Golden Age of MMA.

Challenges Ahead: The Journey To Flyweight Title Shot

But even if Victor Altamirano has come a long way in his career, the path to conquer the UFC flyweight division is not an easy one. The 125-pound weight class is good and packed with talent; most of these fighters have had a rather good run in the division for quite some time now. To be competitive with the top beasts, Altamirano needs to go through greater development and compete with even stronger opponents.

Another problem that Altamirano has is the level of competition in the flyweight division. Some of the best fighters in the division are Brandon Moreno, Alexandre Pantoja, Kai Kara-France, and Deiveson Figueiredo, and that means it is not enough to be a skilled fighter to beat these guys; it requires brains and heart.

To become a contender, Altamirano will have to face fighters ranked in the top 15 of the division. Such opponents will challenge him in ways that he has never been challenged before. The UFC flyweight division is fast and technical, and any fighter at the top of the division can capitalize on any weakness.

But, in any case, the fighting spirit of Altamirano has its strong base for further development. He already has very good takedown and striking defense, and when that continues to develop, he has the makings of a fighter who can go toe to toe with anyone in the division. Perhaps one area that might require a boost is his fight IQ and his capacity to adapt in the course of fights. The current UFC flyweight champions are very good at changing tactics during a fight, and this is something that Altamirano will have to work on.

Mexican Heritage in Altamirano’s Career

Mexican descent is important to Victor Altamirano, and it reflects in his work. Mexico has always been sending to the cage innate warriors with the never surrender mentality, and that is evident by Altamirano inside the octagon. Mexican fighters are normally associated with great toughness, a high work rate, and their ability to take much as well as they give out, and they are able to go to war and come out of it as winners, and this is what Altamirano has brought into his MMA career.

During his ascent, Altamirano has opined the need to promote Mexico in the international arena. He feels that he is part of a process to show that Mexican fighters are capable of performing at the best level in MMA, the same as they have done in boxing. Every fight is a chance for Altamirano to prove that he and all Mexican fighters are hardworking and talented, and his actions during the fights seem to show that he takes great pride in being a Mexican.

In that regard, the tale of Altamirano is very much like the story of Mexican fighters in MMA in general. And as the sport develops in Mexico, people like him are opening doors to showcase that Mexico is not only a boxing nation but a country that can cultivate great MMA fighters.

The Future: Is Altamirano capable of winning the UFC title?

The last question would be whether Victor Altamirano has the potential to be a champion of the UFC. Although one cannot be sure at the current time, there are several indicators that point to the fact the fact that he might be able to ascend to the top.

First of all, one should mention that Altamirano fits the flyweight division in terms of skills. His stand-up and groundwork is good, and his opponents normally seem to struggle against him. In a division where fighters are always on the lookout for a chink in the armor, Altamirano’s ability to do it all is a massive plus.

Second, his rate of work and attitude toward improvement prove that he will only improve as a fighter in the future. Altamirano has already proved he is willing to put the effort on the table to get the job done, and as he progresses in his career in the UFC, he will only get more dangerous.

Finally, Altamirano has endured a workout for his brain and legs that could be helpful with his future occupation. At UFC, where the mental aspect is as important as the physical, Altamirano has proved that he can rise to the occasion when it comes to fighting on the biggest platform of the sport.

But there is more to it when it comes to being a UFC champion. Flyweight is definitely one of the most talented divisions in the UFC, and the way to championship is not easy. To Altamirano, he will have to eschew such and make sure that he looks at which battles he needs to fight as well as focus on becoming the best version he can be.

Therefore, the journey of Victor Altamirano in the UFC’s flyweight division is a story of hard work, talent, and determination. With Mexico churning out more MMA fighters for the global market, Altamirano is one of Mexico’s future stars. Despite the fact that the journey to UFC title shot is a hard and arduous one, Altamirano has everything that it takes to make it to the top—the tools, the work ethic, and the mental strength. Whether he can achieve this goal remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Victor Altamirano is a fighter to look out for in MMA, and he has a long way to go.