Mexican Reality Star Javy Mendez Makes MMA Debut in Miami

Mexican reality star Javy Mendez is set to make his MMA debut in Miami. Get all the details on his journey from TV fame to the cage and the rest of the Combate Global fight card.

Javy Mendez, known as "The Mexican Jake Paul," is set to make his mixed martial arts debut in Miami on Sunday. Mendez, who gained fame on MTV Latin America’s "Acapulco Shore," will be stepping into the cage for the first time against fellow newcomer Johan Rodriguez.

Mendez, 34, has been training rigorously to prepare for his debut. He has been focused on learning the ins and outs of being a fighter, including weight cutting, dieting, and overall preparation. Despite what critics or supporters may say, Mendez is determined to prove himself in the world of MMA.

"The most challenging thing has definitely been training and getting to know everything that goes into being a fighter: cutting weight, dieting and preparation," Mendez told CBS Sports. "What the haters or supporters say about me doesn’t really matter. What matters most to me is getting through all of this.

"I’m here and I’m not going anywhere. If I’m here, I’m committing myself 100% and I would really like to keep competing."

Mendez’s background in contact sports, including karate, football, boxing, kickboxing, and Muay Thai, has motivated him to pursue a career in MMA. With the sport’s growing popularity in Mexico, Mendez saw this opportunity as a chance to showcase his skills.

The main event of the Combate Global card is a matchup between Mexico’s Lucero Acosta and Spain’s Silvia Juaneda. Acosta is looking to find stability in her career by defeating Juaneda, who has finished all of her pro career wins by stoppage.

Here is the fight card for Sunday’s Combate Global event:

The Combate Global event will take place in Miami, Florida, on August 6. The main card will start at 8:30 p.m. ET and can be watched on Paramount+.