One handed amateur MMA fighter
Training in mixed martial arts is very popular, but only a select few have the mental and physical fortitude to…
Training in mixed martial arts is very popular, but only a select few have the mental and physical fortitude to step in the ring for a full contact fight, let alone single handed.
Geoffrey Villarreal, son of Master Gunnery Sgt. Juan F. Villarreal, the assistant aircraft maintenance chief for Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101, was born 22 years ago in North Carolina, with one hand.
Although doctors don’t know why, he believes it is likely because his hand pierced the amniotic sac inside the womb.
Now, Geogfrey is working to transition from competing in pankration and submission grappling to amateur MMA, with the dream of some day being the first one-handed professional MMA fighter.
“The only thing that worries me is getting knocked out” said Geoffrey. “I have before in kick boxing but I have learned how to protect myself, and what to avoid.”
At first glance you may not expect Geoffrey to be the skilled fighter that he is. Unlike some fighters you could pick out of a crowd, Geoffrey looks like most Californian college students with a button up shirt and blue jeans.
When the California Athletic Commission approved full contact amateur MMA fights last month and Geoffrey signed up with Grapplers Experience.
Geoffrey’s last fight was in the 145-pound adult beginner pankration category at the Grappling X, Gi and No-Gi tournament in San Diego, Aug. 22. He took 1st place with ease, winning both of his rounds with an arm bar.
Although he would like to do nothing but train, Geoffrey heeded his parent’s advice to receive a college education. He currently attends Mesa Community College, majoring in international security and conflict resolution.
With a deep seeded feeling of patriotism passed down from his father, Geoffrey plans to use his degree to pursue a job with the Federal Bureau of Investigation or the Central Intelligence Agency.
“My father was deployed when 9/11 happened and it was scary to know his deployment had changed to send him to the Middle East,” said Geoffrey. “That is part of the reason I would like to work in counter terrorism.”
Ignoring the challenge of only having one hand Geoffrey started wrestling in elementary school.
“Geoffrey competing is scary because of his condition,” said Juan. “But he always comes out on top.”
Doctors told him in high school not to participate in contact sports after they discoved he suffered from a rare liver disease called Primary Sclerosing Sholangitis, which can cause liver failure.
