HOUSTON, TX, March 12, 2013 – Have you heard the name Isai Cabrera? If so it’s probably through the local Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Submission Grappling circuit as the Draculino-trained Gracie Barra Texas purple belt has been competing in those events for quite some time. Now despite his original passion still residing in the BJJ world, the 21 year old also has other goals in mind now with his recent foray into mixed martial arts.
Some may call this a natural progression, the whole BJJ into MMA thing – especially for a young guy that trains all the time like Cabrera. They’re definitely different sports but the crossover appeal is there for guys like him.
“I felt it was kind of impossible not to fight,” he says. “My (original) goal was just to compete in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at a high level but MMA just kind of sucked me in.”
Ever since he piqued his own curiosity Cabrera has incorporated more and more of an MMA-based regimen to go along with his grappling training while training alongside good friends like Legacy FC 135 lbs. contender Angel Huerta and recently turned pro Edgar Juárez.
Last month in Lake Charles, LA, he finally made his debut in the sport – winning by first round submission (triangle choke) over local fighter Larry Smith.
“When I sunk in that triangle, I knew it was over,” he says about the experience. “I was just visualizing myself getting my hand raised before the fight and making sure I stayed focused and the result was what I expected it to be. It was the best feeling. Now I could see myself doing this for a long time. I love every part about training and fighting (in MMA). I’m very, very competitive so it goes right along with my personality. I think as long as I listen to my coaches and train my hardest that the sky is the limit for me in this sport. I’m gonna want to fight as much as possible this year but I also want to do a big (BJJ) tournament since I missed the (IBJJF) Houston Open this year. I want to do both.”
Looking ahead for him in MMA specifically, Cabrera will step back into the cage for his second MMA fight (and Houston area debut) on Friday March 23rd when he takes on Jason Harrington of Kingwood MMA at Cage Combat 13 at the Humble Civic Center.
Paraphrasing his own words, he said he doesn’t really know much about his opponent but he’ll be prepared for anything as he’s been developing some new skills in this newfound passion of his. “Anything can happen in there but I’m there to win,” he says. “Thank you to all my coaches, teammates, family, friends, and everyone else whos supported me. It really means a lot!”
