Alexandria resident surpasses his fundraising mark for nonprofits combatting veteran suicide rates, mental health struggles 9:00 am, May 18, 2021 ×
Thomas Herrera of Alexandria competed in a mixed martial arts championship fight May 8, 2021. After a three-year hiatus, he returned to MMA so he could raise money for veteran nonprofits. (Contributed photo)
Thomas Herrera may have lost the battle of his most recent mixed martial arts championship fight, but he exceeded his fundraising goal for veteran nonprofits.
Herrera, an Alexandria resident, hadn’t competed in MMA for more than three years before a match-up Saturday, May 8.
Although his recent fight didn’t end like he wanted, Herrera said he had one message for any young, up-and-coming athletes: Competing at a high level requires learning how to handle disappointments and bounce back from them.
Alexandrian fundraises for upcoming MMA fight in honor of battle buddies
Thomas Herrera prepares for his first MMA fight in over three years to raise money for veteran organizations 8:00 am, Apr. 7, 2021 ×
As a part of his regular routine in the months leading up to his next MMA competition, Thomas Herrera runs multiple miles in the morning, visits the gym, gets an hour-long solo boxing session with Corey Thompson and attends a two-hour boxing class. “This is a typical day for Thomas,” Thompson said. “The guy is an animal, a true warrior.” (Contributed photo)
Alexandria resident Thomas Herrera hasn’t participated in mixed martial arts for more than three years.
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