In a recent interview with LatinLuney on the sports program KnuckleTown Deportes, Peruvian fighter Valeria "Galáctika" Mejía shared details about her impressive career in mixed martial arts (MMA), Sambo, and her new foray into the growing world of Bare Knuckle Fighting. With a focus on perseverance and discipline, Mejía has established herself as a versatile and outstanding athlete in the combat sports arena.
From Mixed Martial Arts to Bare Knuckle
Valeria began her career more than 15 years ago in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, which later led her to compete in MMA. With multiple championships, including the Pan American Sambo title, Mejía has also been invited to compete in the upcoming Master Olympia Sambo in October, where she hopes to continue her success following a gold medal she won a decade ago.
In her transition to Bare Knuckle, Mejía explains that she has found a new passion. “From the moment I saw Luis ‘Baboon’ Palomino fight on TV, I knew this was for me,” she commented. Valeria's experience in MMA and other combat sports, such as Hand-to-Hand Fighting Sport (a Russian-origin sport), has provided her with the necessary tools to excel in Bare Knuckle. According to Mejía, this discipline requires a unique combination of technical skills and mental toughness.
Her First Bare Knuckle
Victory Valeria also spoke about her victorious debut in Bare Knuckle, where despite the weight difference with her opponent, she managed to prevail. The key to her triumph, according to the fighter, was a strategic preparation under the guidance of her coach, Eric "El Tigre" Castaños . “I gained weight like never before to be able to withstand my opponent's blows and keep the pressure, which ultimately led me to victory,” she recounted.
After the fight, Mejía couldn't help but compare herself to the iconic Rocky Balboa. “I literally felt like Rocky when he fought the Russian. I felt just like him, with a swollen face but with an indescribable emotion,” the fighter said with a laugh.
The Challenges of Bare Knuckle
Mejía didn't hold back in describing the toughness of Bare Knuckle, noting that the sport leaves much more noticeable physical marks than MMA. “The damage is greater, and everyone ends up like pandas with swollen eyes and bruises all over the body. But it's part of the game,” she assured. Despite the challenges, Mejía is determined to continue growing in the sport and aspires to fight for the championship belt in the near future.
The Future of Valeria Mejía
Looking ahead, Valeria is focused on continuing to perfect her technique and solidifying herself as one of the top Bare Knuckle fighters. Additionally, she plans to expand her legacy outside the ring by opening her own Sambo club in the United States, following the success of her school in Peru.
Valeria Mejía also dedicated an emotional message to the young fighters of her country: “I know what it’s like to leave your country and your family for a dream. It’s not easy, but with faith and perseverance, anything is possible. Above all, you have to surround yourself with the right people.
” With the possibility of an upcoming fight in Miami in December, Valeria Mejía's fans will continue to follow every step of the Peruvian fighter, who keeps breaking barriers and showing that Bare Knuckle is not just a sport of brute strength, but one of strategy, skill, and heart
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