Miguel Baeza: Leaving No Stone Unturned

“Success is not final, and failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”
-Winson Churchill

Setbacks and trying times are the sole paths to test a combatant’s character and heart. And how more trying can it be than to go from an undefeated prospect to being on a two-fight losing streak, fighting for your job. Do or die as they say, but really, what’s a setback to someone aiming to become an all-time great? Miguel Baeza is back for some get-back.

Growing up in Davie, South Florida, Baeza’s childhood memories were attached to the scene of a warm family gathering hosted by his uncle to watch boxing Hall of Famer and fellow Puerto Rican Felix “Tito” Trinidad.

And although Miguel appreciated watching the masterful display of skill by combat athletes at an early age, he had no idea that tables would turn with him being on the big screen. And with the kids of today admiring his cerebral fight IQ in their family gatherings.

It was inevitable that Baeza would eventually put his uncle’s boxing lessons to the test. And after one successful amateur fight, the professional ranks were solely in his sights.

Ferociousness was the word attached to Miguel’s name on the regional scene. And with a perfect 6-0 start, Baeza found himself putting pen to paper, with a pivotal opportunity at stakes to fight on Dana White’s contender series on short notice for a chance to become an ultimate fighter.

June 25th, 2019 was the date, and 170 was the weight limit. However, Miguel’s opponent showed up with a stunning ten-pound weight miss. Adversity knocked on Baeza’s door before even making the long-anticipated walk.

But a man on a mission is what he was. And in a moment where doubt could have crept in, “Caramel Thunder” flourished with a fierce performance, earning himself a spot on the UFC roster.

Baeza was eager to debut under the brightest lights of all, believing that he had a lot to show the masses. And less than four months later, the walk was made, followed by a statement, courtesy of a second-round finish, leaving no other option than a vast step up in competition.

Fight Island was the backdrop. And the owner of most knockouts in welterweight history (Matt Brown) was the man standing in the way between Miguel and a breakthrough opportunity.

Ebs and flows, and momentum shifts were the themes of the fight. And after rallying through an early onslaught from “The Immortal,” Baeza passed his character-building test with flying colours in the form of a second-round knockout.

In his last outing, the Davie-born continued to impress with his progression, scoring his first submission win against heavy-handed Japanese prospect Takashi Sato.

“When it is dark enough, you can see the stars.”
-Ralph Emerson

In a year where uncertainty and panic hovered over the world, many individuals, including Miguel, took it as an opportunity to work on their craft behind closed doors with nothing but laser-focused tunnel vision. And with a record of 10-0 and an 80% finish rate, you get the sense that it’s only a matter of time for the inevitable to unfold.

With the sport’s rapid rise, markets around the world are for the taking. And traditionally, most regions establish a solid foundation in the sport by producing the prospects of tomorrow.

However, rarely, an exceptional breed of talent like “Caramel Thunder” thrives in the heat of the bright lights. And for the Latin American market, Miguel Baeza is the man with a strong enough back to carry the weight of an entire region with pride.

There is a blessing hidden in every trial in life, but you have to be willing to open your heart to see it. And even though Baeza is on a two-fight losing streak, I still believe that Miguel’s purpose in the sport is potent beyond measures. It all starts when he battles Portugal’s Andre Fialho in what’s about to unfold as a stern resurgence for the history books.