ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Multiple New Mexico trained fighter will be on display at the Anthony Pettis Fighting Championship MMA card on Sunday. Among them is Jackson Wink’s Ernesto Zarate.
Zarate, 27, is a native of Ketchikan, AK, who has lived and trained at JW for three years. His MMA journey began at age 19 when he was working as a custodian at a mall in his hometown. One of the perks of the job was free access to a training facility where he fell in love with the sport.
“I just started getting good,” said Zarate. “I felt like it started giving me confidence. I was never, like, the super athlete in school. I was never, like, the super gifted, never a football player, basketball or soccer. I was more interested in art and music. I was kind of a nerd, you know.”
Despite his life change, Zarate is still deeply rooted with hi heritage. A member of a native-Alaskan tribe, he wants to prove to his friends and family that it is possible to make it out of a small town.
“Try to show them if I can do it, you can do it, if you have dedication and you want to change your life and be a stronger, healthier person, especially the men. Being in that environment is not easy because you’re closed off. The rest of the world is so far away from you.”
Sunday’s APFC card begins at 2 p.m. on Sunday. It will take place at Isleta Resort & Casino.
