Former pro wrestling superstar Alberto Rodriguez — best known by his WWE moniker “Alberto Del Rio” — returns to combat sports as President of Combate Americas, the hispanic mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion founded by UFC co-creator Campbell McLaren.
But don’t expect “El Presidente” to just stand around looking pretty.
Instead, Rodriguez will assume a leadership role behind the scenes and spearhead athlete recruitment and development, calling on his years of experience as both a sports entertainer and professional fighter. Competing as “Dos Caras, Jr.,” the former PRIDE FC standout compiled a 9-5 record in MMA with seven submissions.
“A storied fighter, with a following throughout Mexico and the U.S., Alberto brings a tremendous amount of knowledge of what it means to be in competition, coupled with an ability to communicate his passion for the sport, to his new role,” said McLaren. “From working with Alberto in the past, we have gotten to know him very well, and are thrilled to have him on our team in an executive capacity.”
Rodriguez will make his public debut as “El Presidente” when Combate Americas brings MMA back to New York for “Empire Rising” on Friday, Oct. 14, 2016 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona. “Empire Rising” is headlined by the promotion’s inaugural world championship title fight pitting John “Sexy Mexy” Castaneda (11-2) against Gustavo Lopez (6-1).
For more on the upcoming fight card click here.