Path of the Spiritual Warrior: Life and Teachings of Muay Thai Fighter Pedro Solana

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“The spiritual warrior will journey inward to fight the greatest battles.”

The following is an excerpt from  ’Path of the Spiritual Warrior: Life and Teachings of Muay Thai Fighter Pedro Solana‘：

In spring of the year 2002, Pedro fought against Duane Ludwig, who at the time was a top lightweight contender, and would go on to becoming coach of former UFC bantam weight champion TJ Dillashaw. They fought in Orange County Burbank private museum in California. It was a private charity event. There were 8 fights in the card. Villalobos and Ludwig were the main event.
Pedro agreed to fight for almost no money to help the charity event. The promoter was happy.

Pedro recalls the story, “We had a very tough fight. There was a war from the first round to the end. Five full rounds of kicks punches, knees (I don’t think elbows were allowed). I start the fight very strong. Duane was much younger and stronger. I had more experience but it was not of use as his skills were all good. He had no gaps… I keep stepping forwards to see if I can find something to bring me the victory as I knew that he was waiting until I get tired.

In the third round I remember he did a jumping knee which luckily landed in my arms, and an ax kick that almost got me. On round four, I was out of power and now was his time. He starts attacking strong, luckily one of his eyes was almost closed by a punch, so my corner keeps telling me… attack the eyebrow so he cannot see properly… well, I did but he still was coming over. His body was bigger and he was younger so I decide to hold my position punching and kicking until the end of round four. We were destroyed, both of us were exhausted.

When the bell of the last and fifth round sounded, we stood up ready to finish the battle. I looked to him, he looked to me and we smile together with respect and complicity of what was happening. For a moment I went back into the past in ancient times of battle. I felt like nothing was important except to fight to the end without caring of what will be the outcome. It is like you accept your destiny. The round went well, we continue hitting each other looking to overcome each other. When the final bell sounded, we give each other a hug and smile again. The judges gave him the victory by points. That day I understood that results are not the most important, rather the journey is what is important. Since that time, Duane and I became friends. He always has my respect as a true warrior.”