Luke Fernandez

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training MMA seriously in the summer of 2020. Before that I tried a few MMA classes but they were few and far between. Other than that I wrestled in high school and college and did some boxing mitts workouts with my dad, but nothing too serious.

What professional titles have you held? CFFC LHWT champion. I defended that title twice.

Any accomplishments in amateur combat sports? I was the CFFC next gen LHWT champion.

Any belts/ranks in grappling disciplines? I’m a purple belt in BJJ under Dante Rivera 

What fight do you consider to be the key fight in your career? I would say the fight of my career was my last title defense for CFFC. I fought a tough opponent with more experience than me and dominated the fight. I feel like I was able to show that I belonged in the bigger promotion with that performance.

Who is your favorite fighter and why? My favorite fighter is John Jones or Anderson Silva. I grew up watching both of them dominate in championship fashion, that really caused me to fall in love with MMA.

Do you have any heroes outside of fighting? I would say my hero’s are my parents for always showing me unconditional love and support. 

Is there a cause that you want to use your platform for? I want to show people that you can change your life and future if you decide to take a chance on yourself and pursue your dreams. I want to be an example of someone that didn’t give up on themselves. They continued to work hard to reach their goals. 

Beyond a championship and money, what motivates you? What motivates me is being told I can’t do something or I don’t have what it takes. I think my competitive nature thrives in others doubt. I’ve been competitive since I was very young. 

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I graduated from Elizabethtown College with a bachelors degree in Communications. 

What was your job before you started fighting? I worked for a company named Prime Exteriors LLC, doing roofing and siding. Also I would substitute and coach wrestling at Lacey township High School.

Tell us about your life outside of fighting? When I’m not training or working out I’m probably watching fights with my dad and or girlfriend. My girlfriend’s name is LeAnna Cruz, she’s an undefeated professional boxer currently ranked top 3 in the world at 115. So we both love watching MMA and boxing together.bOutside of fighting I love to golf and bowl and spend time with my family whenever possible.