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By Nimmond Lockhart-SDM

Robert Leonard III, calm, subtle, easy going, a nice looking guy. Only one problem, he’s no nice guy after 6-hours of training  and when he steps into the ring.
Robert Leonard III, a humble, easy going, and spirited young warrior, is on his way to becoming one of the best, if not the best, MMA fighter in the world. This young man is not a mere rock; he’s a pillar of chiseled concrete, posses the subtleness of still water, and packs the power of a raging bull.

The South Dade Monitor has been following some of the events that this excep- tional athlete has participated in throughout 2009. He has been unstoppable in all his matches. He’s a competitor in every facet of martial arts, and has become the ISKA National Chinese Boxing (San Chou) Champion in 2009. He is known as one of the top Heavy Weight contenders in the International Shootfighting Association, and became the number one fighter in the heavy weight grappling division in the 2008 Sun Belt Martial Art Championship.

All of his hard work and training has given him the opportunity of a lifetime. He is now being managed by one of the most renown and respected MMA personality in the martial world, Cung Le. He’s being trained by, (without question), the best martial arts instructors in South Dade, Sifu Henry Regalado, Chief instructor and owner of the United Martial Arts Association (UMAA), located in the Florida City Outlet Mall.  Moreover, two of the men assisting in the training are, 4 times former kickboxing champion of the world, James Warring, and Shootfighting Champion Bart Vale.

These phenomenal figures have graced the covers of major martial arts magazines such as Black Belt and Sports Illustrated. They have been recognized and embraced by millions of adoring fans from all cultural backgrounds throughout the world.

Leonard spends up to 12-hours in the gym every day. He admits that there is a lot of sweat, blood, and tears. “I like Rob’s work ethics in the gym,” said Sifu Henry. “He’s in the gym to work out and he takes that to heart. He puts in a lot of time and when you put in a lot of time, you get a lot back.  Rob has been with us for 2 years, and is so unusually strong.  In fact, he’s one of the strongest students that I have everhad the pleasure of training. What’s amazing is that he’d never received martial arts training before attending UMAA.”

“I started out at Florida Championship Wrestling School in Tampa, “Leonard said. “ I decided I didn’t like the acting part of it, so when I returned to South Florida, I decided to cross over to the martial arts.  For me it was ideal, because I like the physical contact, and the mental discipline that you receive from it.”

Leonard will be a vicious MMA competitor because of his tremendous arsenal. It is very rare to find a fighter that weighs close to 250 pounds that is equipped with so much horsepower and well as the agility of a fighter half his weight. He has a methodical and strategic mind, coupled with lightning quick hand and feet movements. Leonard is a fire breather and a true flame thrower. Maybe that’s why he’s known as Robzilla.

Another exceptional trainer who’s in the ring with Leonard on a constant basis is, Alain Valdivia. His expertise covers every aspect of physical development, stemming from shootfighting, personal training, massage therapy, nutrition and physical therapy.

“I see a lot of talent and potential in Rob,” said Valdivia. “He’s got a tremen dous amount of fire and is extremely confident. Training with him feels great. He never gives me a hard time, but he’s always giving me suggests. I like that, because I learn from him as well. Being the great person he is,

Rob is always willing to work around things when something isn’t quite working.

When I want to switch things around, he gives me that option of being free. Because he is so diverse, he’s willing to try different things.” Leonard will do things that the average fighter frowns upon.  As a heavyweight, he can do a lot of the things most guys his size can’t. This is what makes him unique.

Valdivia likens certain aspect of training to the movie “Rocky”, (portrayed by Sylvester Stallone). “Basically, I play the role of the chicken in that movie, while he chases me around the ring. This will help him work on his foot work, accuracy, speed, coordination and balance.”

Without question, doors will open wide for Leonard, and not just because of his broad shoulders. He will impact the entire professional world of MMA, because of the managerial guidance of Cung Le, and the devastating training regime received from Sifu Henry and training staff.

Remember the name Robzilla, because you will be hearing a lot more about him. We here at the South Dade Monitor wish him the best of luck, and will continue to update our readers on Leonard’s exciting career.