Redemption was sweet for Cortez mixed martial artists Anthony Chavez and Joey Trevino during King of the Cage’s return to the Ute Mountain Casino.
After losing bouts in Towaoc during King of the Cage “Resilient” in May, both Chavez and Trevino bounced back to win at King of the Cage “Reignite” on Saturday, October 1.
Chavez said that his fight during “Resilient” in May was his first MMA bout of his career and that he’d learned and built confidence in matches that followed.
“It got me comfortable to be able to fight in front of the home crowd and just go in there and have fun,” he explained.
And fighting against Andre Mitchell in the 125-pound class on Oct. 1, Chavez won by submission (armbar) in 2 minutes and 32 seconds.
Chavez began the fight by tossing punches, but said that Mitchell led the battle to the mat. From the ground, Chavez said Mitchell put him in a guillotine, but he was able to escape.
The Cortez grappler worked unsuccessfully to get his opponent in a triangle choke, but then just over two minutes into the bout he locked Mitchell in an armbar and sunk in for the victory.
“It just made me feel like I’ve accomplished something,” he said of the win. “I felt like a different man. My attitude, my demeanor about life is different.”
Following Chavez’ victory for Impulse MMA, Trevino hopped in the ring with Austin Lewis for another 125-pound matchup.
“My determination this time was way different,” Trevino said of his return to the Ute Mountain Casino. “I wasn’t going to lose this time.”
Trevino said that he struck first with a kick to Lewis’ leg, but that he slipped when attempting another kick and landed on his back.
Lewis attempted to take advantage of Trevino’s position by jumping on top, but it actually worked out in Trevino’s favor.
“When I fell he capitalized on it and he ran and jumped on me,” he explained. “But when he did, I threw my legs up and caught him on the way in into a triangle [choke] and locked him in and squeezed until he tapped.”
Trevino won by submission (triangle choke) 49 seconds into the first round.
Both fighters will get back in the ring on Saturday, Oct. 22, but in different fashion.
Chavez will kickbox and Trevino will box at Judgement MMA & Fitness’ series in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, beginning at 6 p.m.
