sport
Jyl Pozo
Shane Moreno
Steven Pardo
Age: 28
Age: 32
Age: 29
Height: 1.74 m
Height: 1.68 m
Height: 1.61 m
Weight: 77 kg
Weight: 70 kg
Weight: 69 kg
home fans but is keeping level-headed and balancing his training regime in the lead-up to the encounter. Ruiz is an allround fighter with good technique and a maturity beyond his years, “I can’t wait for ‘fight night’. Training has been excellent and I have to thank everyone at the club for giving me this opportunity, especially Sensei Joaquin.” Jyl’s Record: Seven fights, five wins, one no contest, one defeat Pozo is an all-round fighter who is equally capable on the ground as he is on two feet. He enters the cage with intense aggression and relishes the challenge of a strong opponent. Modelling himself on professional MMA star Nick Diaz, the former boxer considers himself ‘a born fighter’ who can get stuck in and take a punch. Pozo has trained in MMA for the last eight years, spending most of his evenings preparing for upcoming battles. The support he receives from family members and the club are his driving force, pushing him to levels he was unaware he could attain, “When I train, I make sure to give it my all. When I fight, I wanna show everyone what I see every day, a strong and determined fighter. I have always been a fighter, when I step in that cage, there is only one thing on my mind...winning!” Pozo has scouted his rival and plans to take him down to the ground as fast as possible where he is confident he will gain the upper hand, “From what I have seen, I have come to the conclusion that he only knows the basic Brazilian Ju-Jitsu, which I could use to my advantage on the ground.” GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2016
Shane’s Record: MMA four fights, three wins and one draw A brawler by nature, Moreno is ready to exchange blows in a calculated and channelled rage to overpower his opponent. He likes “Traditional to finish off his rival competitor quickly Japanese through his power and martial arts determination. This focus on fighter gives no quarter ending the when you step into the fight, usually cage with him. Moreno by killing an cultured himself in the art opponent in of boxing for a number of battle.” years before making the step into MMA and he feels that the addition of other styles to his arsenal has formed him into a deadly fighter, “I’m not afraid of anyone and whatever happens on the night I know that I would have given it my all. I am fully focused on this and I look forward to facing my opponent later this month.”
Steven’s Record: One fight, one win Pardo started MMA around nine years ago, specialising in kickboxing, groundwork and wrestling at two clubs across the border. His height and reach are a disadvantage when facing taller fighters, but he counters this by taking his rival to the ground immediately. This is where he’s at his best, “My speed is a great advantage as it helps me get under the fighters very quickly for close quarter shots or a quick sweep to the ground.” Following an injury setback last year, Pardo impressively managed to perfect his diet and training regime to lose ten kilos in seven months. His opponent on the night specialises in kickboxing and the miniature maestro fighting machine already knows how he will win, “I have to take the fight to the ground as soon as possible as at this weight, I should be stronger and dominate the ground with some Brazilian Ju-Jitsu. All in all, I feel quicker and stronger than ever and I’m looking forward to fighting in front of our home crowd.”
Discipline is the key and selfimprovement cannot be unlocked without it. 61