Full Name:
Juan Manuel Ignatius Barcillano Relleno
Age:
27
Where were you born:
Naga City, Philippines
Where do you live:
Baldivis, WA
Which gym do you train out of:
Wilkes MMA
Who are your coaches:
David Wilkes, Matt Erceg
What belts or rankings do you currently possess as a martial artist:
BJJ Blue Belt.
Undefeated in Muay Thai and Kickboxing.
Freestyle Martial Arts Blue Belt.
Okinawa Shorin Ryu Green Belt.
What sports or activities did you participate in growing up:
Basketball, Rugby League, Athletics, Karate.
When did you begin to take MMA seriously as a hobby and then as a potential profession:
After my first win via knockout, I thought to myself… maybe I am good at this.
Favourite aspect of training or favourite session of the week, and why:
My favourite part about training is the community. I’m surrounded by like-minded people all with the same goal of improving and getting better in all aspects of our lives.
My favourite session is Saturday sparring — this is the day we do our fight simulations and find out if there’s a shift in the gym rankings for the week.
What are your greatest strengths as an athlete or a fighter:
My greatest strength is that I refuse to quit. You’re going to have to kill me to stop me from getting back up and trying again.
How would you describe your fighting style:
Elusive, technical and very flowy… until I get hit — then it’s full steam ahead into a firefight.
What is your favourite sport and why:
MMA is my favourite sport. In every other sport, if people have disputes, they end up fighting or pretending to fight. Might as well cut the preamble and get to business.
If I have an argument in basketball, we end up fighting. In MMA, we don’t argue — we settle it directly.
Who is your favourite athlete:
Magic Johnson
Who is your favourite combat sports athlete:
Max Holloway
What are your immediate and long term goals:
My immediate goal is to steal the show at Eternal 97 and make myself a household name.
Long term — go pro and make a run at that very pretty Eternal Featherweight belt.
When fans see your name on a fight poster, what should they expect:
A pretty smile, fireworks, and tension throughout the entire fight. It can all end in the blink of an eye.
How do you see your upcoming fight playing out:
My opponent and I will look each other in the eyes, have an unspoken agreement to duke it out — and the first man to shoot will forever be branded a coward to the other.
A final message to any friends, family and supporters:
Buy Eternal 97 tickets. Use code RELLENO on Fighter Fan Club and wear PINK to show support for me as I make the walk to entertain the people.
Where will any fans or supporters be able to find you on socials:
Instagram: @j.relleno13
Watch Juan Relleno fight at Eternal MMA 97 on Saturday, June 28.
