HISTORY
Kings MMA was founded in 2010 by Master Rafael Cordeiro in Huntington Beach, California. Master Cordeiro is a highly regarded MMA coach and former professional fighter with over 25 years of experience in the sport.
Kings MMA has a rich history in the MMA world, and has been instrumental in the development of many top-level fighters. The gym has produced several UFC champions and top-ranked fighters: Fabricio Werdum, Rafael Dos Anjos, Anderson Silva, Beneil Dariush, Marvin Vettori, Kelvin Gastelum, Giga Chikadze to name a few.
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Kings MMA has been widely recognized as one of the best MMA gyms in the world. Kings MMA offers a wide range of training programs, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, boxing, and wrestling, and has a strong focus on physical fitness and conditioning. The gym provides a supportive and friendly environment for its members, and is dedicated to helping its members achieve their goals, whether it be to become professional fighters or simply to improve their overall fitness and health.
Master Rafael Cordeiro
Rafael Cordeiro was born in Curitiba, Parana, a southern state in Brazil. Cordeiro began training martial arts at the young age of 13 years old, and soon joined Chute Boxe Academy. As one of Chute Boxes premium strikers, Rafael earned his Black Belt in Muay Thai, within the first 4 years of training the martial art. Cordeiro eventually became Brazil’s Muay Thai Champion, and World Champion for International Vale Tudo Championship as a lightweight.
Upon retiring from his 13 year fighting career, Rafael made the decision to turn to coaching and help other athletes with the experience he had gained. Cordeiro began his trainer profession at Chute Boxe, training teammates such as Wanderlie Silva, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, Fabricio Werdum, Anderson Silva, and Cris Cyborg. Rafael Cordeiro built a world renowned team that began winning championships in the early days of Pride and UFC.
In 2008, Cordeiro moved to Huntington Beach, Ca. to start his own academy, now called Kings MMA. 13 years later, Master Rafael Cordeiro was awarded “Coach of the Year” in 2012 and 2015 by Fighters Only Magazine Awards, and “Best Gym” by OCWeekly. Cordeiro is one of the most recognized coaches in the world, and is known for his passion for the sport.
Beginning in 2020 Rafael started training Heavyweight Champion Mike Tyson, for his fight against Roy Jones Jr. in November of 2020. They continue working together for new projects, and expect only greatness for the future.
Rodrigo Del Hoyo
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