Empire MMA — 2025 Year-End Wrap-Up
It all begins with an idea.
Forging the Future With the Spirit of the Past
2025 was the year Empire MMA transformed from a rising South American fight promotion into a continental force. What began in Colombia as a passionate vision for authentic, warrior-driven combat has now become one of the fastest-growing combat sports brands in the Western Hemisphere. This year was defined by breakthrough events, championship moments, global attention, and the continued rise of homegrown Colombian stars.
A Year of Expansion
Empire MMA delivered 11 events across Colombia, culminating in the marquee milestone of Empire MMA 12 in Barranquilla on July 19. Each show pushed production, storytelling, and athletic performance to new heights year over year.
Partnership conversations intensified as major broadcast platforms—including Apple TV—took serious interest in the brand’s unique blend of high-level competition, rich South American fighting culture, and elevated cinematic production. Empire MMA entered 2025 as a local promotion—by mid-year, it was on the radar of global networks.
Breakout Stars & Championship Moments
2025 crowned new champions, unearthed new prospects, and delivered star-making performances:
The Fuentes Brothers Return Home
Barranquilla natives Sergio and Ricardo Fuentes fought in their hometown for the first time in years, creating one of the most emotional moments of the year. Their walkouts became instant viral clips across Latin America, representing the pride, struggle, and fighting spirit of the Caribbean coast.
Featherweight & Strawweight Title Fights
Empire MMA added new layers to its championship legacy with the emergence of fresh contenders and the elevation of future stars. 2025 was the year our championship belts became symbols of continental prestige.
South America’s Next Wave
Dozens of regional talents stepped into the cage for the first time under the Empire banner—fighters from Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, and beyond. The pipeline is real. The future is forming.
Cinematic Storytelling Elevated the Sport
More than just fights, 2025 was the year Empire MMA perfected the art of documentary-style storytelling.
Cinematic walkout films
Weekly embedded-style shows
Behind-the-scenes access
Human-focused storytelling featuring fighters, families, coaches, and hometowns
Empire created a signature identity—raw, real, beautifully rugged—reflecting the warrior cultures of South America.
Sponsorship Growth & Brand Visibility
2025 saw the biggest sponsorship growth in Empire’s history.
Local Colombian brands, international lifestyle companies, and sports partners aligned with the authenticity and grassroots energy of Empire MMA. With digital reach expanding across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, the brand’s content consistently reached millions each month.
Laying the Foundation for Global 2026 Expansion
This year set the stage for the biggest leap yet:
Broadcast partnerships in active negotiation
A Colombia-to-Miami expansion pipeline forming
A push toward multi-country events in 2026
New talent recruitment systems across South America
A refreshed brand identity and content strategy
Empire MMA is now ready to grow from a regional powerhouse to an international platform.
The Empire Has Risen — And This Is Only the Beginning
2025 wasn’t just a successful year—it was a foundational year. The year the world began to notice. The year our fighters took ownership of their identities. The year Colombian MMA found a global voice.
In 2026, Empire MMA will continue forging the future with the spirit of the past—honoring the warriors who built this land while elevating the new generation rising from it.
This is Empire MMA.
This is the future of Latin American combat sports.
Empire MMA 13: Santos vs. Lopez – Medellín Shines on Fight Night
It all begins with an idea.
Empire MMA 13 lit up Canal Park Telemedellín in Medelín, Antioquia, Colombia on September 19, 2025, bringing fans one of the most electric nights in the promotion’s history. With a Flyweight title fight at the top and a card stacked with knockouts, submissions, and breakthrough performances, the event cemented Colombia’s growing reputation as a new hotbed for mixed martial arts.
Main Event: Ivan “O Terrivel” Santos vs. Duvan “La Maquina” Lopez (Flyweight Title)
The night’s headline fight carried all the intensity fans expected. Brazilian veteran Ivan Santos charged forward from the opening bell, throwing combinations in waves and trying to break Lopez’s rhythm. But Medellín’s own Duvan “La Maquina” Lopez showed why many consider him the future of Empire MMA.
Lopez remained composed under pressure, countering with crisp boxing and well-placed leg kicks to slow Santos’ advance. As the fight wore on, Lopez’s conditioning and sharpness became the difference. After five grueling rounds, the judges awarded Lopez a split decision victory, crowning him the new Flyweight Champion to the roar of a hometown crowd.
This was not just a title win — it was a coronation. Lopez’s triumph marked the beginning of a new era for Empire’s flyweight division.
Jorge “El Mohicano” Loaiza Silva vs. Danilo “The Mergerp” Rodriguez (Lightweight)
The co-main event featured rising lightweight prospect Jorge Loaiza Silva, who entered undefeated and determined to prove he’s ready for bigger stages. Against Danilo Rodriguez, Silva delivered another statement performance.
After testing Rodriguez on the feet, Silva unleashed a devastating body kick that folded his opponent, following up with punches until the referee waved it off at 1:59 of Round 2. The TKO pushed Silva’s record to 3-0 and had fans buzzing about his potential as a future title contender.
Andres “Vlado” Escudero vs. Jose Luis “The Joker” Saldarriaga (Lightweight)
Escudero wasted no time showing his dominance. He closed the distance quickly, put Jose Luis Saldarriaga on the canvas, and applied punishing top pressure. Within minutes, Escudero slipped to the back and locked in a rear-naked choke at 3:44 of Round 1.
It was a one-sided showcase that highlighted Escudero’s grappling pedigree and left fans eager to see him tested against tougher competition.
Juan Jose “Juanjo” Ibanez vs. Leonardo “El Lobo” Rodriguez (Lightweight)
Few fighters bring excitement like Juanjo Ibanez, and he delivered again in Medellín. Known for his speed and creativity, Ibanez wasted no time engaging with Leonardo Rodriguez. After a flurry of exchanges, Ibanez overwhelmed his opponent with a barrage of punches that forced the stoppage at 3:44 of Round 1.
The TKO win solidified Ibanez as one of Empire MMA’s most entertaining prospects — a fighter who can finish at any moment.
Mariana “A Guerreira” Salles vs. Luisa Fernanda “South Coup” Cifuentes (Flyweight)
The women’s flyweight bout featured grit, toughness, and heart. Mariana Salles set the tone early with forward pressure and crisp striking combinations. Luisa Cifuentes absorbed the punishment and battled back, but by the third round the damage took its toll.
At 2:27 of Round 3, Cifuentes could no longer continue, giving Salles a TKO victory (retirement). It was a gutsy performance that reinforced Salles as one of the division’s toughest contenders.
Emmanuel “El Piedra” Escobar vs. Cristian “El Tigre” Ayala (Flyweight)
In one of the night’s slickest finishes, Emmanuel Escobar showcased his grappling chops. After a scramble, he took Cristian Ayala’s back and sunk in a rear-naked choke, forcing the tap at 3:40 of Round 1.
The win added another quick submission to Escobar’s résumé and proved he’s a dangerous threat in the flyweight ranks.
Felipe “Raptor” Grajales vs. Jeffry “The Bullet” Gil (Featherweight)
The featherweights gave fans a tactical battle, with Felipe Grajales using his composure and striking to edge ahead of Jeffry Gil. While Gil had his moments, Grajales dictated the pace and range across all three rounds.
After fifteen minutes, the judges awarded Grajales a unanimous decision, highlighting his well-rounded skillset and ability to control tough opponents.
Nicolas “Nico” Bojaca vs. Guillermo Martinez (Flyweight)
The card kicked off with fireworks. Nicolas Bojaca lived up to his reputation as a fast starter, storming out of the gate against Guillermo Martinez. After just three and a half minutes, Bojaca connected with clean punches that dropped Martinez, forcing a TKO stoppage at 3:30 of Round 1.
The victory was a statement-making opener, igniting the crowd and setting the stage for an unforgettable night.
Final Takeaways
From start to finish, Empire MMA 13 delivered the perfect blend of drama, skill, and spectacle. Duvan Lopez’s championship coronation, Jorge Loaiza Silva’s breakout win, and a string of highlight-reel finishes proved once again why Colombia is quickly becoming a central hub for MMA talent.
With new stars emerging and champions being crowned, Empire MMA continues to carve its place as Latin America’s premier promotion. Fans in Medellín didn’t just witness a fight card — they witnessed the beginning of a new chapter in South American combat sports.
Empire MMA 12 Delivers a Night of Explosive Finishes in Barranquilla
It all begins with an idea.
On July 19, 2025, Empire MMA returned with its 12th installment—Empire MMA 12—lighting up the Coliseo Suga Baby Rojas in Barranquilla, Colombia. The event, promoted by Empire MMA Colombia, featured ten professional MMA bouts, highlighted by an electrifying championship battle and a slew of decisive finishes. (Tapology)
Main Event: Jhon “Tacha” Rodríguez Claims Bantamweight Title
The night’s pinnacle clash saw reigning bantamweight Jhon "Tacha" Rodríguez (13‑3‑0) defend his title against challenger Miguel Ángel Sosa (8‑5‑0). Rodríguez emerged victorious via TKO after landing a devastating series of knees, forcing the referee to halt the action at 2:22 of the third round. (Tapology)
Noteworthy Performances from the Main Card
The undercard did not disappoint—with several fighters showcasing early finishes:
Juan Puerta choked out Dionel Sosa with a rear-naked choke just 2:00 into round one. (Tapology)
Carlos Tardio (now 11‑1) overwhelmed Jeisson Bayona via ground‑and‑pound TKO in the third round at 1:08. (Tapology)
In a fierce display of striking, Juan Pablo Gómez secured a TKO with elbows at 4:12 of round three against Eduardo Gil. (Tapology)
Sergio Fuentes locked in a rear-naked choke submission, defeating Hector Soler at 2:05 in round one. (Tapology)
Stiven Bedoya scored a sharp KO via punches just 3:01 into round one against Luis Pérez. (Tapology)
Future showboating continued with Mauricio Castro knocking out Ronald Castro at 4:06 of round one. (Combat Registry)
Fabián Solano wrapped up Ángel Luis Montero with a TKO (punches) in round two at 3:16. (Tapology)
On the preliminary card, Stephany Suesca also achieved a TKO (punches), finishing Isabel Chiriboga in just 1:14 of the opening round. (Tapology)
Another early finish came when Santiago Giraldo Taborda overwhelmed Naztian Arciniegas with a TKO via strikes at 1:55 in round one. (Tapology)
Event Summary at a Glance
Feature Details Date & Venue July 19, 2025 — Coliseo Suga Baby Rojas, Barranquilla, Colombia Main Event Jhon “Tacha” Rodríguez def. Miguel Ángel Sosa — Bantamweight TKO, Round 3 (2:22) Total Bouts 10 professional fights Action Highlights Several early stoppages via TKOs, KOs, and a submission Fan Buzz Tapology users nailed every pick—perfect predictions made
Empire MMA 12 delivered a rapid-fire evening of high-intensity matchups and finishes, affirming the promotion’s growing influence in Latin America’s MMA scene. Looking ahead, the momentum from these standout performances sets the stage for even bigger matchups in the future.
Empire MMA 11 Ignites Santiago as Carlos Tardio Shines
It all begins with an idea.
Santiago, Chile — April 5, 2025 – Empire MMA 11 delivered a night of raw intensity and electrifying moments in Santiago, Chile, but no fighter made a bigger statement than Carlos Tardio. The Bolivian powerhouse reminded the world why he’s one of the most dangerous prospects in the sport, bringing his record to an impressive 8–1 and stamping himself as a future title contender.
The Rise of Carlos Tardio
While the card featured heavy-hitting action across divisions, it was Tardio’s performance against veteran Cristian Barraza (9–9) that stole the spotlight. Tardio showed off his trademark aggression and polished technique, overwhelming Barraza with a combination of precision striking, relentless pressure, and cage control. Fans in Santiago erupted as Tardio imposed his will, further fueling speculation that he’s on a fast track to championship contention.
Tardio, already building a reputation as the “Spanish Hammer,” is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about fighters in the Empire MMA roster. With each outing, his mix of raw power and calculated fight IQ is setting him apart from the pack.
Other Notable Fights
Laura Marcela Cañon (4–1) continued to prove herself as one of the most promising women’s fighters in Latin America, going toe-to-toe with Brazil’s Thaiany Lopes (5–2).
Rising phenom Vicente Bahamondes (3–0) extended his undefeated streak against the gritty Jonathan Insignares (3–3).
Alison Vargas (1–0) made a strong debut performance versus Maria Jose Huircan (1–4), showing flashes of star potential.
Empire MMA’s Next Big Star
If Empire MMA 11 had one clear storyline, it was the ascension of Carlos Tardio. The promotion is thriving as the premier MMA stage in South America, and Tardio’s emergence as a dominant force adds even more intrigue to its growing roster of talent. With his unique blend of charisma, fight-ending ability, and relentless drive, the question isn’t if Tardio will headline a future Empire event — it’s when.
Empire MMA 11 was his night. The next one might be his era.
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