Prospect Kevin Cordero out to earn title shot by winning Copa Combate one-night tourney

Kevin Cordero’s young MMA career may take a big leap this Sunday.

The 22-year-old bantamweight is looking to make a statement and continue to prove why he’s one of the most promising, young fighters to come out of Spain. Cordero (12-2 MMA) returns to the cage Sunday, as he’s set to compete in Combate Global’s eight-man, one-night tournament in Miami – Copa Combate.

Although Cordero is just in his early twenties, he’s been waiting and working towards an opportunity of this magnitude for some time.

“I started fighting amateur at 15 and I fought a couple of times and I already wanted to turn professional, but my trainer told me no, that I needed more experience,” Cordero told MMA Junkie in Spanish. “A professional fight came up when I was 17 and my parents were cool with it – my mom was a little nervous, but my dad was in – so they signed the permission and I was able to fight.”

Cordero will compete on his 15th professional fight this Sunday. He’s on a six-fight winning streak with four submission wins and two KO/TKO finishes.

In his last outing, Cordero took out former Bellator veteran Ricky Bandejas in the first round to hand him his first defeat under the Combate Global banner.

Cordero is excited to follow up on that performance and to hopefully win the tournament and get a shot at the champion David Martinez.

“That’s the objective, become champion in our weight class here in Combate Global, Cordero said. “I think, and I hope, I’m the next to challenge for the belt (if I win Copa Combate). It would be a great opportunity.”

Although title hopeful, the Las Palmas native is fully focused on Sunday’s Copa Combate. He’s grateful the promotion considered him for the tournament and is excited to represent Spain and fight for the $100,000 prize.

“I feel very happy that this great event counted on me for this tournament,” Cordero said. “There’s a big prize, and above all, if I get through all three fights, I think I’ll make history in my country, Spain.”