Nico Cornejo, known as “The Steel City Kid,” is making history as the first athlete from Pueblo, CO, to sign with a major sports promotion, ONE Championship. The mixed martial artist will compete in the ONE 168: Denver fight card on September 6th at Ball Arena. This marks only the second ONE Championship event ever held in the United States, following last year’s event in Broomfield.

Nico, born and raised in poverty-stricken Pueblo, CO, with his father incarcerated, was determined to break the cycle. He pursued a career as a corrections officer, overseeing 300 inmates and serving on the state’s SWAT team. Now, a dedicated family man, he’s focusing on his professional fighting career and eagerly awaits his debut ONE Championship event in September.

How long have you been fighting?
“I began my training journey at Warrior Built MMA in Pueblo in 2019. The gym and its members have been incredibly supportive of my progress.”

What was it like growing up in Pueblo?
“Growing up in Pueblo, I experienced a simpler, safer childhood. Though we didn’t have many material possessions, life felt carefree and enjoyable. My parents were divorced, and we moved around frequently, but I found solace in sports. Wrestling was a constant in my life, and I participated in other athletic activities as well. Despite living in a low-income neighborhood, the Boys & Girls Club provided a positive and supportive environment.”

Did you always think you could be a wrestler or athlete as an adult?
“Actually, I was quite athletic. I participated in various sports, including football leagues, wrestling, and flag football.”

What’s your family life like now?
“I have three children from a previous marriage, and my fiancée, Rikki, has two. Together, we have a busy household with five kids. In 2023, after a decade of working in corrections, I decided to pursue a different career path. I transitioned to a more blue-collar role with the City of Pueblo. My coworkers have been incredibly supportive and are excited to see me fight at Ball Arena on September 6th.”

What’s training like for a fight like this?
“Training camps typically last between six and eight weeks, sometimes even extending to ten. Once matched with an opponent, I train rigorously, dedicating six days a week to two or three hours of practice. While I aim for a rest day each week, my active lifestyle often makes it difficult to achieve.”

What is your home training gym?
“Warrior Built MMA in Pueblo, owned by my coach, is where I primarily train. We also utilize an affiliated gym for our jujitsu training. My head coach, who has been fighting since the age of fourteen, brings a wealth of experience to my training.”

How do you stay motivated?
“My fiancée is incredibly hardworking, holding down two jobs to support our family. I’m hopeful that this fight will be a turning point, allowing me to focus on my fighting career full-time and alleviate her workload. My primary motivation is to provide a better life for her and my children. We’ve been facing some personal health challenges, and I want to be able to take some of the financial and emotional burden off of her shoulders.”

Do you know much about your opponent on September 6th?
“My opponent comes from a family with a history of fighters. While I respect his heritage, he has some big shoes to fill as the youngest sibling. My motivation doesn’t stem from a family legacy but rather from my desire to fight for my loved ones.”

How did you connect with ONE?
“This opportunity came about through my coach at Warrior Built MMA. Shortly after starting my new job with the city, I received an unexpected call. My coach informed me that One Championship had offered me a spot on the fight card at Ball Arena on September 6th. Initially, I was skeptical, unable to believe the news. However, once I began taking promotional photos and realized the fight was official, the reality started to sink in.

As a small-town kid from Pueblo, becoming the only professional athlete signed by a prestigious promotion company like ONE is a dream come true. I hope they recognize my potential. Being the sole Colorado fighter at this event and having the unwavering support of family and friends is incredibly motivating. The feeling of being recognized and admired by young people in my hometown is truly heartwarming. I’m grateful for the overwhelming support I’ve received from the Pueblo community.”

Now that you’re with ONE Championship, can you do other fights?
“No, I’m exclusively signed with ONE Championship now. It’s an incredible opportunity that I’m very excited about. I’ve participated in numerous local fights, and people consistently show up to support me. Now, they’ll have the chance to see me compete at the ONE event in Denver. I’ve signed a contract with ONE, making me a 100% dedicated ONE fighter. This is the kind of opportunity every fighter dreams of! Of course, their headquarters are in Singapore, so the prospect of fighting in Asia is incredibly exciting.”

Fiancé Rikki Albillar -what does this fight mean to you?
“Nico’s success means the world to me. I’ve been a dedicated fan since before he even started fighting professionally. I even purchased a pay-per-view event to watch him when we were just friends, demonstrating my unwavering support. My emotional investment stems from the sacrifices I’ve made to help him focus on his fighting career. Being a young father, Nico has had to shoulder a significant burden, and now it’s time for him to pursue his own dreams. I believe my current purpose is to support, encourage, and cheer him on, just as I’ve always done, from his smallest fights to the grand stage of Ball Arena.

From an outsider’s perspective, I’ve always reminded Nico of his underdog status. This opportunity should serve as an inspiration for those who have been overlooked and worked tirelessly. While Nico’s fighting career may not be innate, his maturity and experience are invaluable assets. He consistently supports other fighters and children who attend our gym’s training camps.”