2023-09-02 04:15:00
While Fernando Torres was certifying the second European Championship for Spain against the almighty Germany in Vienna and, just two years before Iniesta scored that goal in the Johannesburg final with which he stamped the first star on the chest of the national jacket, he was born in Sariego Merche García, who at the age of 15 is the Spanish hope of women’s mixed martial arts (MMA). Three before she did Pepe, his brother, with whom he shares a dream: to reach the UFCthe most prestigious promotion in the world in this discipline, where another Asturian is already working, Joel Álvarez, from Gijón, “El Fenómeno”.
For desire, dedication and effort it will not be; yes due to lack of resources: both wrestlers need sponsors to be able to achieve their goals and travel around the world to train in an increasingly successful discipline at the national level. In fact, Merche has just covered herself in gold at the U18 MMA World Cup. Pepe, for his part, is emerging as one of the largest projects in the country, both with “much pride” of his origins.
The García brothers began “like any kid”, practicing judo in the Saregano council, to join the Bandog club from Gijón shortly after. Although it is true that his father practiced various fighting disciplines, it was not something that his mother liked very much, which is why Pepe opted for the ball until a few years ago, when he left the Oviedo Stadium to dedicate himself fully to the noble art of fighting, while preparing oppositions to the National Police: “I was good but I had no offers, so I decided to focus on MMA and now I have a clear dream,” says the eldest son of the Garcías, although not without a doubt, since in the case of a touch by Real Oviedo, “it would have gone headlong”: “I am very carbayón”, he remarks. Merche, however, was always clear about what he wanted to dedicate himself to. The youngest girl combines her compulsory studies with a passion that can take her to the top of the discipline and compete with names like Valentina Shevchenko or Julianna Peña, “if they hold out until I arrive, of course,” she jokes.
A doctrine that both respect, but without fear, because if not, “you don’t get on the cage”, they confess. “I would not climb a mountain because I am terrified of heights. However, I am not afraid of hitting anyone; it depends on the person,” writes Pepe García, who, supported by his sister, encourages everyone, ” young and old”, to practice martial arts; yes, inside the gym. “It is normal for parents to hesitate when signing their children up for any type of fight. This is not a sport in itself, but a martial art. However, it forms you as a healthy and very organized person, and that , is vital. On the other hand, there is a general thought that the people who practice these disciplines are dedicated to hitting people on the street and it is not like that. There are many types of people, but those who mess it up are a minority”, explain.
Two teenagers in full swing who, like any kid their age, enjoy the party, despite the fact that their sacrifice does not allow them to go out too much: “This summer I went out for two days. My friends understand it because it is a dream and for that you have to sacrifice yourself”, subscribes Pepe García. Complicated habits at an early age, which, however, do not seem to cost them much effort thanks to their determination: “We can forget about sweets and chips before the fights,” laments Merche García with a laugh. However, it is not an obstacle to getting what they really want, a contract with the UFC and being able to follow in the footsteps of one of their idols, with whom they have had the pleasure of sharing a gym, the fighter from the Pumarín beach neighborhood, Joel Álvarez. Path that they intend to follow, but that without the help of a few sponsors will have a very high unevenness, something that helps to smooth out the Asturian Federation, with financial support for trips to championships, although the Garcías seek to expand their knowledge throughout the world.
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