Heavyweight Championship main event at 559 Fights 114 May 24th in Visalia, "I'm right where I want to be" says undefeated Robert Barrios

It is fight week in the Central Valley! 559 Fights is back at the Visalia Convention Center with 559 Fights 114 on Saturday May 24th 2025. 

What will be the last stop on the road to 559 Fights first Pro-Am event in June, 559 Fights 114 will be headlined by three title fights. The main event will see the promotion crown a new heavyweight champion with the CAMO State heavyweight title up for grabs as well. When undefeated Robert Barrios out of the Ochoa Combat Academy takes on former CAMO State Super Heavyweight Champion Antonio Rosales. 

It would be an understatement to say local heavyweight Robert Barrios has quickly made a name for himself in the amateur MMA scene. Barrios who was born way up North in Ukiah California moved to the Hanford/Lemoore area of the Central Valley, to be closer to his grandmother in 2010. A graduate from Hanford’s Sierra Pacific High School, Barrios also attended Lemoore College where he will finish soon and plans to transfer to Fresno State University in the future.

“I played football and wrestled in high school, but I definitely fell in love with wrestling more. With wrestling, all your hard work shows on the mat, it’s all on you, and you have to constantly evolve to stay competitive. That mindset and discipline carried over and really drew me to MMA. My wrestling background gave me a solid foundation, and once I started training, I knew this was something I wanted to pursue seriously.” said Barrios.

Barrios trains out of the Ochoa Combat Academy, one of the most prestigious teams in the Central Valley when it comes to combat sports. A lineage that was started by the great Sam Ochoa, with a torch that has been passed on too many that have kept the name alive for many years. Including Poppies Martinez, Medo Morales, Alex Perez, Mickey Martinez, and Jacob Jeff. Jacob Jeff currently owns and runs Ochoa Combat Academy in Lemoore, California. Where he has established a stable of young and hungry athletes including Robert Barrios.

“Jacob is actually my cousin, and he knew I had a wrestling background. He kept encouraging me to come into Ochoa Combat Academy and learn a thing or two. Eventually, I decided to give it a shot, and I’ve been all in ever since. Training for this fight has been consistent with my approach for the past three: always working to improve every aspect of my MMA game. Whether it’s striking, grappling, cardio, or fundamentals, I’m focused on leveling up and coming into each fight better than the last.” 

Barrios quickly racked up three first round finishes in a row, within four months. Earning performance of the night in his last outing at 559 Fights 113. He will now fight for both the 559 Fights and CAMO State heavyweight titles in the main event. Barrios has made some waves that have caught the eyes of many in the MMA world, as he was recently signed by Iridium Sports Agency. One might wonder if things might be happening too fast for Barrios?

“This has been the goal since day one, since the moment I walked into the gym and told Jacob I was ready to fight. Nothing about this feels too fast because I’ve been preparing for it from the start. Every training session, every fight, has been building toward this moment. I’m right where I want to be, and I’m coming into this title fight more ready than ever. When I first got into MMA, my only goal was to get in shape and improve my fitness. But along the way, I realized that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. Now, my mindset has shifted, I’m fully committed to the grind and ready to take on whatever challenges come my way. I’ll keep pushing forward and see just how far this journey can take me.” Said Barrios.

All business when that cage door is locked, outside the cage Barrios enjoys time with his loved ones saying,

“When I’m not training or fighting, I really enjoy spending time with my kids, family, and friends. I love taking my kids to the movies, parks, the beach, and amusement parks, just making memories together. I also enjoy barbecuing; there’s nothing better than good food and good company.”

559 Fights has not had a heavyweight champion since 2022, with the amateur heavyweight division now picking up some steam. Crowning a new champ will be a big moment for both competitors and 559 Fights.

“It truly means the world to me. All the hard work, the sacrifices, the grind, it’s all paying off, and to be fighting for both the 559 Fights and CAMO State Heavyweight titles right here in my backyard makes it even more special. I remember going to the fights as a spectator back in December, telling myself, “That’s where I want to be.” Now I’m here.”

The opponent’s Barrios has put away all have had more experience than the young heavyweight. Antonio Rosales will be no different coming in with a 4-2 record and undefeated in the State of California. 

“I know he’s a tough opponent and also Native American, which I respect a lot. I’ve got nothing but love and respect for him. At the end of the day, we’re both warriors stepping in there to represent something bigger than ourselves. I’m looking forward to sharing the cage with him and putting on a great fight.”

Barrios finished by saying,

“Central Valley MMA fans can expect me to leave it all in the cage. I’m coming with everything I’ve got, and I promise to put on a show they won’t forget. I want to thank my family, friends, teammates, and coaches for always having my back, and a big shoutout to all the 559 fight fans! You guys bring the energy, and it means everything. I also want to give a special thanks to my sponsor Lainey Lily Laundry. They’ve been supporting me since my very first fight, and I truly appreciate the continued love and support. I’m grateful for everyone who’s been part of this journey, it’s only the beginning.”

559 Fights 114 goes down Saturday May 24th from the Visalia Convention Center in Visalia, Ca. Tickets available now @ www.eventbrite.com/e/559-fights-114-tickets-1308504786039

 559 Fights 114 Card

559 Fights & CAMO State Heavyweight Championship

3-0 Robert Barrios vs 4-2 Antonio Rosales

559 Fights Lightweight Championship

(4-2) Mohammad Amin Derakhshan vs (2-1) Joseph Rodirguez

559 Fights Bantamweight Championship

(2-1) Matthew Vargas vs (2-2) Thomas Luna-Cortes

(3-3) Gianni Garcia vs (2-0) Drew Nason

(2-0) Joseph Cruz vs (2-0) Jesus Federico

(1-1) Emiliano Granada vs (2-2) Christopher Mendoza

(2-0) Gabriel Sanchez vs (1-0) Blake Willard

(1-0) Augustine Garcia vs (1-0) Gabriel Alvarado

(0-0) Jocelyn Armenta vs (0-1) Jasmin Jastrezebski

(1-0) Adam Bashandy vs (1-0) Carlos Dejesus

(0-1) Julian Garcia vs (0-0) Javier Garcia

(0-1) Robert Williams vs (0-0) Joe Luma

Grappling Bouts

Michael San Nicolas vs Elijah Valdivia

Aaron Cato vs George Moreno

Ian Xiong vs Josh Roberts

Charles Cato vs Ezekiel Moreno

For more info visit www.559fights.com

Stay tuned to www.valleyfightnews.com for all your latest news and coverage.

Also add Valley Fight News.com on social media on IG at www.instagram.com/_valleyfightnews.com_ and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/valleyfightnews

By: Daniel "Big Trip" Quintana www.noweakshitever.com