APRIL 25, 2025 – Current and retired mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters and coaches held a workshop for Sailors, Marines and local area high school and youth wrestlers in the hangar bay aboard the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS New York (LPD 21) as a part of Fleet Week Fort Lauderdale (FWFL) 2025 April, 24.
Among the MMA fighters in attendance at the workshop were seven-time World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Champion Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu, Ohio State Champion wrestler Georgio Poullas and Ultimate Fighting Championship competitor Héctor Lombard.
The fighters met with the service members and schoolchildren offering MMA demonstrations, drills and coaching.
“It is a true gift, through the instrument of martial arts, to meet real heroes like the ones we met here,” said Abreu. “This is a super fun day and an amazing experience for everybody. I am just extremely grateful to be here.”
The Navy and Marines Corps are dedicated to developing each of its members into warfighters capable of handling everything from actual combat, to overcoming the normal stress of everyday tasks. Service members are encouraged to develop their “Warrior Toughness” to remain resilient in the face of adversity, and to take some time to focus on their own inner well-being. Some Sailors and Marines have found that martial arts serve as an excellent tool to de-stress and remain strong.
“As we go into the battle-space we demonstrate honor in the way we fight,” says Sgt. Maj. Forrest Allen, the sergeant major for 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division. “We demonstrate courage by stepping into the battlefield whether that be in the ring, on the mat or in actual battle.”
These professional fighters have offered their skillsets to mentor us and develop us a little bit. While participating in the workshop, I encourage each Sailor and Marine to look inward, because if we master ourselves, that’s how we master our enemies. I am excited to have these professionals and the lessons they bring with us here today, said Allen.
FWFL celebrates a time-honored tradition of the sea services. It is an unparalleled opportunity for the citizens of Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding areas to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen and witness the latest capabilities of today’s maritime services. More than 1,100 service members will showcase their capabilities and equipment, participate in various community service events, and enjoy the hospitality of the Fort Lauderdale area.
Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Jonathan Word
Commander, Navy Region Southeast