It only took Yadir Perez a whole 11 seconds to make his name known as an amateur fighter last April while making his debut on the FightersRep 6 card in Seal Beach, California. One strong right jab after another to the face and it was all over with a first round knockout against Keita Omura in the IKF sanctioned Muay Thai and Kickboxing bout at AIM Sportsplex. 

“It’s always nice to get a knockout win and it builds confidence. It shows that you can do it again and have the power and energy to get in there and get it done,” Perez said looking back on the fight.  

Along with power and energy, Perez has relied heavily on a deep faith to help lead him to three-straight wins over Omura, David Conte (Round 2 submission), and most recently Eugene Provencio (KO/TKO) at FightersRep 7 in a combat sport fighting career that has taken shape gradually over the past eight years. At 5-foot-6 and fighting in the 125-135 pound weight class, Perez proudly represents Garden Grove, California, where he’s put his trust in fighting for something bigger than just himself. Thanks to some brotherly love from his twin, Aldair Perez, Yadir remains dedicated to preparing for his upcoming fight on February 28 at the AIM Sportsplex all while helping shape a brand -- Kinetic Kingdom -- that places healthy living at the heart of training. 

Yadir Perez recently caught up with Wooter Apparel to talk about getting his start in combat sports, the role faith plays in his life, working with Wooter Apparel to customize Kinetic Kingdom gear, and placing an emphasis on mental mindset before even stepping into the ring. 

Before we get into how you came to team up with Wooter Apparel, can you share how you got your start in boxing, kickboxing, and MMA and what that journey has been like for you?

My start in combat sports actually began at Street Light Church in Westminster, California back in 2012. We had a guest speaker by the name of Pat Lee who shared his story with us about his Mixed Martial Arts Ministry and how he would train us for free. We would get an hour of training and it would always be followed up with a bible study. Me and my twin brother, Aldair, fell in love with the sport and ever since then we just progressed in training and combat sports. 

What has been your approach to growing as a fighter and who has helped influence your career as an amateur? 

My approach to growing as a fighter has always been consistency. I may not be the best at what I do but as long as I am consistent in my training I can only get better. My biggest influence in my career as a fighter has been my twin brother, Aldair. We both started in this together and have always encouraged each other to be better and to keep going. 

Some will look at fighting -- boxing, kickboxing, MMA or other “combat sports” -- from the physical aspect solely without considering the psychology that is involved. What are some ways that you mentally prepare yourself before stepping into the ring to compete?

For people on the outside looking in, they don’t know everything that comes along with fighting. It’s not just the physical aspects such as training, dieting, and getting in the ring or cage and fighting your opponent. Before all of that takes place, you have to fight all your nerves and anxiety. So many thoughts run through your mind the days and weeks leading up to your fight -- doubt, fear, and the unknown. You really don’t know what you’re getting yourself into before you step foot in the ring or cage. That is why you have to make sure you’re mentally prepared before anything. Listening to worship music really calms my spirit and my nerves, as well as talking to God. But what really gets my mind off of the fear is thinking about heavenly things and knowing that everything in this earth is temporary but Heaven is forever.

For those not familiar with Kinetic Kingdom, how did this personal training business begin and how has it grown in providing fighters like yourself the chance to get better at their craft? 

My twin brother Aldair nicknamed himself the “Kingdom Kid” to remind himself that the only important thing is God’s kingdom and everything else is secondary. He became a personal trainer after years of research and experience with a variety of different sports, learning about the body, proper form, and techniques in training and working out. His desire is to help athletes and people prolong their health and livelihood, as he branded his training as, “Kinetic Kingdom” (based out of Garden Grove, California). 

Wooter Apparel put together a pretty unique look and feel for your customized Kinetic Kingdom jersey...why did you decide to partner with Wooter to create the apparel? 

Whatever we do and whatever we showcase has to be top notch. We can’t come out with anything mediocre. Wooter Apparel was the best fit.

Why was it important to you to develop this apparel as part of your “branding” as a fighter? And what has been the reaction from people about you launching this merch line? 

As a fighter or anybody who is trying to make a name for themselves in general, you have to market yourself, and you have to showcase yourself in order for you to get your name or your brand out there. We knew we needed exposure so my brother decided to make 2020 jerseys to bring in the New Year and the response has been great! We’ve been getting a lot of messages from people wanting a jersey to sport the apparel and support the brand.

What is your training routine like these days and what’s the next fight you are currently preparing for? 

I am currently preparing for my upcoming fight on February 28 at the AIM Sportsplex as part of FightersRep 9 against Manuel Arsenio, Jr. My daily routine in preparation starts as soon as I get off work (at Interstate Batteries, delivering car batteries to Costco’s and AAA shops) which is roughly around 3-4pm. I get to my brothers coaching classes at Grandpas Boxing Gym from 4:45-6pm and then I go down the street to Garden Grove Boxing to coach from 6:30-8pm. From 8-9pm, I go for a 6 mile run then head home shower and sleep and repeat.

From training to in-ring competition, you’ve gained so much insight and knowledge as a fighter...what have you learned the most about yourself throughout the process of growing as a fighter?  

I’ve learned a lot through the process as a fighter. Mainly is don’t take any loss to heart and don’t let any win get to your head. Always remain humble but confident and always trust in the Lord.