Photo courtesy of Lugo's Instagram account.
After suffering an injury shortly after last fight, Jose “El Salvaje” Lugo ready for toughest test yet
On June 1, Jose Lugo will step into the Reality Fighting cage looking to make a statement but it’s a different statement than he thought he’d be making. “El Salvaje” Lugo was scheduled to face John Lopeze for the Reality Fighting flyweight belt against John Lopez to earn his first professional title. However, Lopez had to pull out of the fight to an injury, now Lugo will move up to bantamweight and face Johnny “Cupcakes” Campbell.The undefeated flyweight (4-0) has made waves since he turned professional in 2017, finishing each of his opponents. But now not only will he face his toughest foe to date, but he will also be coming off an injury.
That injury took place right after his last fight against Ernesto Ornelas, whom he defeated by rear naked choke at NEF 36 on November 17, 2018. Lugo was offered the opportunity to fight Lopez for Reality’s flyweight title in January but a few days into his camp.
“They called me with basically three and a half weeks for a title fight. I was training so hard for the fight prior that as soon as they gave me the call which was probably two or three days after the fight, I started training hard again. While I was training hard in camp, I injured my leg, to the point that a doctor was like, you’re better off staying off of it and not risking a more serious injury.”
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The injury had further implications as Lugo had to take a week off because he couldn’t afford to lose his job. In addition, he couldn’t train for six weeks, instead he was limited to physical therapy. But Lugo doesn’t have any regrets of fighting through the injury to fight for the title as his leg feels a hundred percent now.
“It definitely was the right choice cause my leg feels brand new right now and I’m ready to go.”
Ready to go indeed, Lugo was training for a five round title fight but will now only have to go three, but he will now have to face a bigger and more experienced opponent. His intention was to move up to bantamweight over time, but he is making the adjustment now because of the circumstances.
“I mean I wanted to go up to bantamweight eventually. I would of switched a few things during camp to be in the weight class not much more of the diet and workout routine so I can put on a little more muscle. But since I couldn’t find a matchup at 125 or 130 I took the fight 135 because I was in great shape already went through a great camp and I didn’t want to sit for much longer. I wanted to stay active and save my pay check.”
Part of Lugo’s disappointment is that he believes the fight with Lopez would’ve proven who the best flyweight in New England was, now he’ll have to put that on hold.
“Well I’m very disappointed because I really wanted to be 125lbs reality champion and that fight would of put me in the number spot in New England for my weight class.”
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His new opponent is no slouch, Campbell has a record of 16-12 and has beaten the likes of Billy Giovanella and Kody Nordby. But despite facing a bigger opponent and one with much more experience, Lugo believes he will still get the finish.
“I like the new matchup he’s definitely my toughest test yet with all the experience he carries I feel like my conditioning and the fact that I’m very well-rounded takes this fight I say a finish by late second round via TKO or submission.”
