Jose “Froggy” Estrada. Photo courtesy Judy Fairall.

The Champ is here! On April 6th, at the Earl Warren Showground's in Santa Barbara, the M.M.A. 160lbs Champion Jose "Froggy" Estrada from Fillmore, went into the cage to fight Cota Taylor of San Luis Obispo, in a three round fight. This was a non-title fight. "A new year, and a new outlook for me," said Froggy. "I am ready to go -- ready to perform -- ready to make it my fight -- ready to put it down -- ready to put it all together. I want them to all know that Froggy is not done yet!” I don't know about you folks but it sounded to me that Froggy was ready two hours before fight time.

The Champ came in at an even 160lbs for the fight. With his training workouts six days a week at the West Coast Gym in Oxnard, three hours a day, Froggy was in tip top shape and looking forward to get into the cage.

Froggy was about to face his toughest completion yet in Taylor. He was seven wins and two losses in Muay-Thai fighting, and one win and no losses in M.M.A. fighting. "This is a big step up for me, but I know I am ready for him," said Froggy.

The Champ was focused in on this night. His Grandfather Rafael "Tata" Ramos passed away on February 2nd of this year, and "Tata" was on the Champ’s mind in a big way.

''He was a big part of my family’s life. We all miss him. Tonight this one is for ‘Tata’!"

Froggy not only had his Grandfather in his heart and mind before the fight, he always has his little sister Kaylee Renee in his corner. Kaylee Renee passed away some years ago, but what will always be a reminder of the love he has for his sister is tattooed on his arm. With his mother Norma and brother Jose "Turtle", and father Rafael in his corner Froggy felt there was no way he could lose this fight.

Froggy was ready for a war in the cage. "I have no fear at all, I’m rested and ready to go. He (Taylor) better fear me because I am coming and I won't be soft!" said the Champ.

It was now fight time in the 1500 seat arena at the Earl Warren Show Grounds. The Fillmore and Froggy fans came out to see him fight on this night. Taylor was the first to come out to the stage. A few cheers from the crowd and a few more boos rang out for him. But when the Champ came out to get into the cage a huge chant of "FROGGY! FROGGY! FROGGY!" was as loud as a train running down the track with its whistle blowing, and just as powerful!

After the intros of the fighters, it was time to fight. Froggy came out with a bunch of kicks to Taylor’s legs and some foot stomps. Froggy took Taylor to the ground for a little ground and pound. The crowd liked what they saw. Taylor worked his way out of the hold and got up and had a few good exchanges of punches with the Champ. After the first round I scored the fight 1-0 for Froggy.

Onto round two of the three round fight. Froggy and Taylor came out with some great stand-up fighting and punch exchange. Then Froggy took Taylor with a single leg take-down, and some good old Froggy ground and pound followed. Taylor got out of the mess only to find himself in a new one. He went after Taylor and lifted him with an awesome body-slam to the ground. Taylor worked his way out of the grasp to find himself in even more trouble. The bell sounded and Taylor kicked Froggy in the face late. Froggy was given a timeout and Taylor had a point taken away for the late kick. After two rounds I had the score 3-0, Froggy.

Onto the finale round of the fight. After an exchange of sportsmanship between the two fighters the fight was on. Froggy seemed in totally control of the fight. After another take-down Froggy went in for more ground and pound. With the bell sounding the end of the fight the great Froggy smile came out. And with a kiss to the Heavens above to his Sister Kaylee Renee, and Grandfather "Tata", Froggy raised his arms in the air in victory!

With no surprise to the crowd that was chanting his name Froggy was named the winner of the fight winning all three rounds on the judges scorecards and also the extra point given to him for the late kick to the face after the bell in round two.

"This one is for you "TATA!" yelled the Champ in the ring during the interview after the fight. The crowd of Fillmore people and Froggy fans all loved it! The crowd chanted again, "FROGGY! FROGGY! FROGGY!"

After the fight Froggy was greeted with hugs and kisses from friends and family, and he had a chance to talk to his coaches and relax a little. Cota Taylor showed great sportsmanship and came up to the Champ in the dressing and warm-up room to say how sorry he was for the late kick. With a hug and a smile on his face Froggy said, "It’s all good man. You fought a great fight!"

Froggy wanted to thank his coaches, Francisco "Turtle" Estrada, Brian Espinosa, Fred Lemus, and John "Grandpa" Hernandez, and the whole West Coast Gym in Oxnard.

Froggy, the City of Fillmore is proud of you. And after talking with you about "Tata" I am sure he is in Heaven, with his arms wrapped around your sister Kaylee Renee saying, "Great job "Picho", we love you and we are so proud of you!”