Atención Sports: Diego Galván -Discipline, Passion, And The Dream Of Reaching The Top Of MMA

By Carlos Ramírez Zago

At just 21 years old, Diego Galván González has found in mixed martial arts (MMA) much more than a sport: a way of life. Although he was born in Dolores Hidalgo, he has spent most of his personal journey in San Miguel de Allende, the city that has seen him grow into a disciplined, down-to-earth young man with determination.

He describes himself as “a simple, humble, friendly guy, dedicated to anything he sets his mind to, disciplined, and a little crazy”—a mix that perfectly reflects the energy with which he faces every challenge. For Diego, MMA represents a vast and demanding universe. He explains that the sport arises from the combination of different combat disciplines, formerly known as vale tudo. Its origins date back to early competitions that sought to discover which martial art was most effective in a one-on-one fight—judo versus karate, for example.

Over time, the sport evolved to integrate grappling techniques (ground fighting) and striking (stand-up combat), forming a complete system that demands versatility, endurance, and strategy. In his weekly routine, Diego practices Brazilian jiu-jitsu, judo, Muay Thai, and MMA—comprehensive training that speaks to his commitment to constant growth.

Although he has been training for just over two years, his competitive path is already noteworthy. In Muay Thai, he has competed in the WBC World Championship and in national leagues across the Bajío region such as NKT, SFL, and WKU. In jiu-jitsu, he has competed in the ESL Pan American Championships held in Guadalajara, as well as in important local events such as Allende Jiu Jitsu and the Moisés Muradi Cup. His formal entry into MMA also includes participation in the AMAMM tournament, a key experience within the amateur circuit.

Like many young fighters, Diego found inspiration in figures who showed him the intensity and authenticity of the sport. He recalls that the “spark for everything” ignited when he first saw Nate Díaz inside a cage—an athlete known for his aggressive style and defiant attitude. Other role models have also accompanied him throughout his journey: Juan Manuel Márquez, Buakaw Banchamek, Zabit Magomedsharipov, and Alex Pereira—fighters who represent different styles and philosophies within combat sports.Behind every strike, submission, or takedown, Diego holds onto a clear dream: to make a living from the sport he loves.

His goal is not only to achieve a professional career in mixed martial arts, but also to attain personal freedom and build a path that inspires others. His ultimate ambition is to step into the UFC cage, become a world champion, and prove that with discipline and effort, any aspiration can be transformed into reality.  But his vision is not limited to the octagon. Diego also imagines a future in which he can pursue ventures outside of sports: he would like to own a coffee shop and manage cargo trucks—projects that reflect his desire to build stability beyond the competitive world.

His discipline, resilience, and clearly defined goals paint the portrait of a young man determined to leave his mark. If his journey makes one thing clear, it is that dreams are built day by day, both on and off the mat, with passion, humility, and the conviction to believe in oneself.

Carlos Ramirez Zago is a young man from San Miguel who is passionate about sports. "You are worth what your voice is worth and what you know howto do with it."