‘Strong’ is a literal and figurative way to describe Miguel Baeza, a professional fighter who’s wrestling his way through life in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

For this reason, you might wonder whether he has already achieved his largest goal in life at the age of 28.

A Q&A with potentially one of the most vigorous men on the planet.

What made you want to become a fighter?

I’ve always loved fighting. My uncle was an amateur boxer in Puerto Rico and growing up, he showed me how to box. Me, my brother and my cousin would do drills with him. Sometimes he would even put on gloves and spar with us.

What do you find the most interesting about training: the building of physical strength, technique…?

I believe the most interesting thing about training is the techniques you learn. It’s amazing how the smallest detail can change the outcome of the technique you’re applying, whether it’s going to work or not. Anyone can be strong, but being able to handle another person with little effort because you made the right movement or placed yourself in the right position is incredible to me.

Do you have a large team of trainers or do you work with just a few close people?

I have a few sets of trainers. I have my main trainers, like my guys at MMA Masters. There is my first coach, who I’ve been with since I started. But I work with a few specialists as well, who teach me specific arts and disciplines: I have a boxing coach, a wrestling coach, a Muay Thai coach… There is someone for whatever skills I feel the need to improve. All the people I work with are all equally important to my success.

Who are your personal heroes?

I’m not sure if I have heroes, but if I were to pick someone I admired growing up in the sport, it was probably Randy Couture. He always seemed to be the underdog, but every time he defied the odds and came out on top. I always liked his competitive spirit and toughness: he always found a way to win. I really respect his will.

What’s your ultimate goal in life? Have you achieved it yet?

My ultimate goal is to be a world champion. I haven’t gotten there yet, but god willing, hopefully I do one day. I plan to keep working as hard as I can until I get there. I know there are a lot of tough guys on their way to that goal, which won’t make it easier, but nothing worth having ever is.

What comes after your career as a fighter? Do you have other dreams?

I’m not sure what comes after fighting. I’ve been focused on this for so long, I didn’t put too much thought into it. Maybe being a commentator or analyst for the UFC or ESPN? We’ll see what the future holds. Actually, my only other dream outside of fighting is to be able to take care and support my family and enjoy life to the fullest, however that comes.

How did you experience 2020 (and 2021 so far)?

2020 was great for me career wise. I fought and beat a legend in Matt Brown, I continued my undefeated streak and won two performance bonuses. Personally, it was a little rougher though; I lost my cousin early in 2020, which was really hard for my family to go through. It was so quick and unexpected. He was very important to us, he was loved by everyone and he was my biggest fan, which only made me push harder to get the win for him.