The UFC fighter is set to say "I do" a week after her May 7th fight. A group of cars pull up in front of a home in Irvine. The muffled voice of a doctor can be heard coming from the house as he is on the phone. He considers himself to be a private person. He didn't know what he was signing up for when he reached out to a potential match on the Coffee Meets Bagel dating app. I usually do some research to make sure I don't get murdered in a dark alley. His match was with a former UFC champion. Esparza listed herself as a professional athlete in her profile. Being a professional fighter can either steer people towards you or away, according to Esparza. There are two titles on the line. Charles Oliveira is looking to keep his winning streak going against one of the most exciting fighters in the sport, Justin Gaethje. Tony Ferguson is facing Michael Chandler. UFC 274 can be bought on the pay per view. The UFC has a match between Gaethje and Oliveira.
Saturday, May 7, Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona
• Main card: 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV
• Prelims: 8 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+
• Early prelims: 6 p.m. ET on ESPN+
UFC events, weigh-ins and more can be found on ESPN+, as well as Dana White's Contender Series.
Esparza's profile didn't mention her gold medal in the most prestigious MMA organization, but she did mention her love of adventure and travel.
Esparza recalled that he said, "Oh, Bora Bora is on my bucket list too."
After a long weekend of wine tasting in Paso Robles, Esparza asked him to meet for drinks. A friend pushed him to get out of the door, even though he was a bit hesitant about it.
I was a little confused and started asking questions, but I realized that she fights for. What do I say? I have no idea about this arena. I have no idea about this sport. I had watched a few fights, but I didn't know anyone.
Esparza was asked to get married by Lomeli after they dated for two years. The challenge with dating a fighter is when fights will be booked. Esparza was supposed to be the next challenger for the UFC strawweight title. She could not turn down the opportunity that she knew would come.
They wanted to move forward. Esparza told her family and friends of their May 14 wedding date by texting, after months of planning. The text was short and to the point.
She wrote that she was still waiting on the fight and that plans may change.
The UFC called on March 16. Esparza was to face Rose Namajunas. A week before the wedding.
It put me in a spot where I had to make a decision, and it was like, do I cancel it or delay it? Or do I just hope for the best outcome in the fight?
She was worried about the decision. On her big day, she wanted to look beautiful. She needed help.
He gave me a really supportive response when I asked a fighter to marry me. There are bumps and bruised with the package.
Esparza lost her title in 2015, but will get a chance to win it again. Esparza admits it was a struggle to get her career back on track after that fight.
She said that she would win a few, lose one, and win a few.
Everything seemed to click for her in 2019. Esparza rattled off five in a row, with statement wins over top competitors in the strawweight division.
I think that my approach to life changed a few years ago. I think it has made the most difference.
She was supported by the support she needed to keep focused on her journey. During camp, Esparza says that Lomeli would leave notes around their house. She knows that he has been with her all along.
I feel that Matt is going to connect to the experience of fight camp because he has been here with me preparing for this fight. He sees my struggles when I come home and I have had a tough day at training.
It is pretty nerve-racking to be someone's partner in a fight of this magnitude.
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He is stressed about the whole situation, not only because he doesn't want to see her get hurt, but also because he hasn't seen her compete live before. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Esparza had no audience for the past few fights. The brothers will be sitting at the UFC game.
I want to get to our wedding day. We are going to have a few fun events before that. It is almost like a carrot dangling after a prize. Right?
The events of the last few weeks will keep Esparza and Lomeli at a distance from each other. Esparza will be making her weight cut and final fight preparations when she returns from her bachelor party.
Esparza said he was excited to hear what his experience was like. I feel nervous in my stomach. I can only imagine how it will feel for him.
Esparza sent her to his bachelor party with a pair of boxers with her face plastered all over them. One last gift to remind him of what they are celebrating.
Esparza said that it will be a crazy next few weeks. I am just happy.
We are going for a honeymoon in Bora Bora. Our story is coming full circle and I am so excited.
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