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
