|
Brawley native Alex Garcia is getting back into the mixed martial arts world with a big win. (PHOTO COURTESY OF ALEX GARCIA / February 4, 2013) |
It was over before either of them knew it. In his mistimed attempt to get both legs around Alex Garcia’s waist, the lanky grappler found himself on his back, offering the Brawley native an opening.
Moving quickly, Garcia went to the mat, seizing his opponent’s left ankle and wedging it between his body and right arm.
In less than 20 seconds, he forced a submission that won him the gold medal at The Gracie U.S. Nationals 2013 Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournament Jan. 20 in Los Angeles.
“I’ve been competing in Brazilian jiu-jitsu on and off for about four or five years now,” said Garcia, 33. “I got into it when I was wrestling at Golden West College (in Huntington Beach). A buddy of mine from Brazil started teaching it to me and I taught him wrestling.”
The 145-pounder currently fights out of Alliance Training Center in Chula Vista but his last tournament took place two years ago, at the Pan-Am Jiu-Jitsu Championships in Long Beach, at which he also won gold. Despite this, Garcia was understandably anxious.
“I was kinda nervous,” he confessed. “I didn’t know what to expect, to tell you the truth, but once I started moving, that feeling went away. It becomes second nature.”
He blazed through three opponents to qualify for the championship round. “I saw (my opponent) grappling before,” he said. “I knew he had good movement on the ground, but he gave me an ankle, I took it, and he tapped out right away. It wasn’t as difficult as I thought it was going to be.”
All told, Garcia spent less than five minutes on the mat.
His next fight is due to take place Thursday, at the King of the Cage event in San Jose. His opponent, Roberto Vargas, boasts a 13-2 record, so Garcia can expect a battle this time around.
Nevertheless, Garcia stated, “I’m gonna be going for the win.”
To comment on this story click here to be directed to Facebook.
