For Luca Borando, MMA Fight Academy ‘Means Everything’

Luca Borando feels no pressure, even as he approaches the opportunity of a lifetime.

Like many other Italians, Borando (2-0) grew up playing football before finding out his true passion, mixed martial arts. The Aurora MMA standout took part in several amateur matches under the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation banner before making his professional debut, a first-round submission victory over Matteo Mengozzi. In the past three months, Borando has had the chance to learn and develop with fellow fighters from all over the world in the MMA Fight Academy program sponsored by Mola TV, which is looking for the next big star in the MMA world. Borando applied to the upcoming reality show after his coach, Lorenzo Borgomeo, informed him of the tryouts taking place in London. Borando and his teammates didn't expect to be selected, but they were and spent a three-month training camp with Marc Fiore in San Diego, Calif. Now, Borando must display the experience and knowledge he acquired as he takes on Baris Adiguzel in a featherweight tilt at the upcoming Cage Warriors 154: Rome on May 6. If he wins, Borando will be offered a Cage Warriors Fighting Championship contract.

“This opportunity means everything to me because I'm here for this. I’m here for this, and it'll be a new start. If I win, it'll be a new start for me, for my career, for my life. Yeah, it means a lot. I am very proud to be a part of MMA Fight Academy because they invested a lot in us. Honestly, I didn't feel any pressure. I’m very proud.”

(00:00) Intro
(00:50) Playing soccer as a teenager
(01:39) His path to MMA
(02:04) His experience as an amateur fighter
(03:14) Applying to MMA Fight Academy
(04:28) Training in Italy
(06:09) Missing his family and girlfriend
(06:45) Preparing for his opponent
(07:24) Signing with Cage Warriors if he wins
(07:47) Mola TV’s investments in Italian MMA
(08:33) Outro