Bryce Gamboa Seeks Another Highlight Reel Finish in his Return to the Combat Night Cage
Bryce Gamboa (1-0) makes his return to the Combat Night cage for his second pro bout this Saturday night at Combat Night Pro Tally in Tallahassee, FL.
The 23-year-old, former XFN bantamweight champion, is nothing short of a nasty striker. In his pro and amateur careers, he has a combined five finishes, four ending in the first round. Gamboa is a really intriguing prospect who puts together highlight reel finishes. He is beyond just a flashy striker; his technical ability has come a very long way.
As a kid, Gamboa was basically born into the sport as his father was involved in martial arts. At age four, he started doing Taekwondo. He later started competing in the sport, but as he got older he eventually moved on. After starting 10th grade at a new high school, he joined a local boxing gym. Gamboa met a few people who went to the same school, one who was on the wrestling team. He joined the wrestling team and opened a new chapter in his life. This, in a way, sparked Gamboa to find a passion for fighting and competing. He feels like he is a superior athlete and was born to put that to use.
“I am one of the best athletes in the world,” he said. “I knew I was going to fight. I grew up training Taekwondo and got into wrestling in 10th grade.”
As he turned 18, he finally joined an MMA gym. He did his early training with the Blackzillians and, legendary martial artist, Gesias Cavalcante. Gamboa made his amateur debut at just 19-years-old and took home a victory by second round submission. From that point on he went on quite the run winning five straight, including one over TUF 29 cast member, Dustin Lampros. After a dominant start to his amateur career he picked up his strength of schedule taking on one of the best bantamweight prospects on the South Florida regional scene, Ryan Kuse. Gamboa’s amateur career was far from a walk in the park; he proved himself by not taking easy fights. Not only did he step in the cage and finish most of his opponents, but he did it in dominant fashion.
Gamboa and, fellow undefeated prospect, Jarret Betancourt have been close friends since high school. In fact, Betancourt has been in his corner for many, if not all, of his fights. He also is cornered by his teammate, undefeated Bellator featherweight, Jornel Lugo. Gamboa made the move to join Combat Club, which is home to the likes Lugo, fellow amateur standout, Brandon Carroll and coach Travis “TNT” Taylor. He spoke highly of the gym, its coaching and the way they do things run the show.
“It’s different than other gyms,” Gamboa explained. “We all go on our own terms. The training is healthier; it makes us all better.”
The 23-year-old is an absolute must-watch when he steps into the cage. He has a powerful right hand and a sneaky high kick. His speed and technique is high-level and his movement and footwork is beyond prominent. However, his standup isn’t the only aspect in which he thrives. Gamboa is far from easy to takedown and has some tricky Jiu-Jitsu skills as well. His wrestling is a trick he has up his sleeve and he will use it if need be.
Gamboa will make a sequel appearance for Combat Night on August 28th against Zach Winters (1-1). Winters will step in coming off his first career loss as he was finished by, Hawaiian prospect, Wilbur Alvarez. This will also be Winters’ first fight in over two years. Gamboa expects to have an advantage over Winters and anticipates a finish come Saturday night.
“I don’t know much about him and I don’t really have a game plan,” he said. “I’m going to touch him up on the feet and then put him away.”
Bryce Gamboa is without a doubt a name you will see on a big stage one day. The 23-year-old is nothing short of a superstar in the making. His skillset speaks for itself, but he doesn’t mind promoting a fight either. Overall, this is a martial artist people will hear about and see on TV for years to come.
Order and watch Bryce’s fight at Combat Night this Saturday night, below:
