Gustavo Balart moved from Cuba to the United States to chase MMA dream: “Looking for more opportunities”

Third-ranked ONE strawweight MMA contender and former Cuban Olympic wrestler 'El Gladiador' Gustavo Balart moved from Cuba to the United States in search of his MMA dream many years ago.

Although he had to leave his family behind, including his wife and kids, it's a decision Balart says he has not regretted, and now he's ready to seize the opportunity in a world title fight.

Speaking to ONE Championship in a recent interview, Balart talked about moving to a whole new country and working towards reaching his goals.

'El Gladiador' said:

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"I came to the U.S. looking for more opportunities for myself and my family because in Cuba, the economic situation is very difficult, and I knew that my dream of becoming an MMA fighter would have never worked there."

Gustavo Balart is set to lock horns with former strawweight MMA king 'The Monkey God' Jarred Brooks for the ONE interim strawweight MMA world title.

The two go to war in the main event at ONE Fight Night 24: Brooks vs. Balart on Prime Video.

The event broadcasts live from the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, August 2nd.

Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live and absolutely free on Amazon Prime Video. Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates on the event as it happens.

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'El Gladiador' Gustavo Balart is spurred on by the desire to honor his family: "I have my family in my mind every second of the day"

At this level, it doesn't just come down to who the most skillful fighter is. Sometimes, it comes down to simply who wants it more.

And Gustavo Balart says he is looking to bring honor to his family, and prove his sacrifice was all worth it.

He told ONE:

"I have been here in the U.S. without my family for eight years. I came here in 2016. It has been a huge sacrifice for me. I have my family in my mind every second of the day."

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