After putting it all on the line in cockfighting pits, Lucas Corbage has earned a massive opportunity, and on Friday night, he will set foot in a bullfighting arena to battle it out for the Hexagone MMA title.
Born in Brazil, the natural-born warrior moved to Argentina to study without the intent of pursuing a fighting career. But when he met his beloved coach, Eduardo ‘Dudu’ Duarte, his life changed forever.
Speaking exclusively to Sporf, he said: “I have a lot of family there; I lived there until I was 21 years old. I started training jiu-jitsu there. But when I came here, I met my coach ‘Dudu’. I started training with the team here.
“I had my first fight to feel the sensation and see what it was about. However, I never expected to do this, but I did well, and it became my job. Only in Argentina did I start doing boxing and Muay Thai.
“Me and Dudu are best friends. I’ve known him for 15 years; he was one of the first people I met when I moved here. He’s Big Papa.”
With sensational skills and an unrivalled fighting heart, under the guidance of his trainer, Corbage rocketed up the rankings, beating anyone who dared set foot in the cage with him.
However, in a sport as brutal as MMA, maintaining an undefeated record is extremely difficult.
Opening up on his first loss, Corbage confessed: “It was really tough because it was a different match. It was in Copa Combate, and you do three fights in one day. The first fight is only one round for five minutes; then, you have two fights that are three rounds for three minutes.
“I never prepared myself for that. I only had 20 days’ notice. It was a good opportunity because the payment was really good. My first fight was with a Mexican guy. My plan was to do jiu-jitsu, but it did not go well. I felt good, I was winning, but he landed a punch and finished the fight. I learned a lot, though.”
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Lucas Corbage aims for Hexagone MMA gold
In defeat, the 34-year-old proved his heart beyond doubt. In his next outing, he bounced back, defeating Martin Mollinedo, via Bulldog Choke to win the FFC title.
The incredible performance sent shockwaves through the division and captured the eye of Hexagone MMA, who were so blown away, they felt they had no other choice but to offer him a shot at their vacant featherweight title.
On Friday, August 4, a lifetime’s worth of work will come to fruition as Corbage sets foot into a bullfighting arena at Arènes de Béziers, France, to take on British legend Dean Garnett.
The Liverpudlian made a monumental impact in his Hexagone debut, rendering Miguel Haro unconscious inside 30 seconds.
Thus, Corbage knows he has to be switched on for every last second of the contest. And he’s even given up Argentinian BBQ in preparation for the fight.
“He beamed: “I’m really excited for this fight. We’re both good at what we do. I don’t think a lot before the fight; I just live my life. I expect a good match, Dean is great, but I am better. The people who will be there will see a brilliant fight.
“I am really comfortable fighting as the visitor. I don’t have anyone there, so I just do my job and go out, and it is ok. The last fight in Peru was the same because if you don’t knock out your opponent, you don’t win the fight. In my head, I know, ‘I need to finish this guy’.”
In a career in which he’s showcased lightning hands, a sublime fighting IQ and an unrelenting will to win, Corbage has undeniably cemented his place as a sensational South American martial artist. But he knows that on Friday night, live on TNT Sports; he’ll have the opportunity to create a memory that will live with him for the rest of his life.
He asserted: “It is a big moment. MMA is doing well right now. Loads of people are paying attention to it. I am in the best place physically and mentally. I feel relaxed. As I’ve got older, I’ve started to think differently. It is a great opportunity to let people see me do my job.”
Featured Image Credit: Lucas Corbage
