EL PASO, Texas (KFOX 14, CBS4) — El Paso native Victor Santillan is gearing up for his professional debut at the Combat Fighting Championship 5 this Saturday. Known as “Guapo,” Santillan has built a reputation as one of the top-ranked amateurs in the Southwest, concluding his amateur career with a 7-1 record.
“I’m very excited and blessed to represent El Paso,” Santillan said. “It is a big step for me to make my career more professional and intentional.”
Santillan, who began taekwondo at age three and wrestled in high school, was unable to pursue college wrestling due to COVID-19.
“I decided to try something new,” he said. “Once I decided to become a fighter, I told myself I was going to be the best fighter I could be.”
A graduate of El Paso High School, Santillan expressed pride in making his pro debut in his hometown.
“Growing up in a border city makes it really special to me,” he said. “I grew up with almost nothing. I grew up with nothing but a lot of love and family.”
Santillan will face Eric Beck, a 1-0 fighter from Las Vegas, and is eager to make an impression in front of the local crowd. “I have to put the pressure right off from the bat,” Santillan said. “Bell rings and I need to get right into his face.”
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