Rising Star Jaeleen Robledo Defends Title at RUF 61
At just 21 years old, _Jaeleen “The Natural” Robledo_ has already made waves in the MMA world with her technical prowess and relentless work ethic.
From Wrestling Mat to MMA Cage
Growing up watching combat sports, Robledo found her path to MMA through wrestling, which she began at age 13. _“I started wrestling when I was a freshman in high school and decided my senior year that I wanted to make the transition into MMA,”_ she recalls.
Her wrestling foundation came from an unexpected source of inspiration – her brother. _“One of the earliest memories I have of training is my first day of wrestling,”_ Robledo shares. _“I was really nervous, but I wanted to join because my brother had wrestled. He taught me how to shoot a basic double leg and get into a wrestling stance.”_
A Champion’s Training Regiment
1
Rigorous Schedule
Starting at 5 AM with strength training, followed by cardio at 11:30 AM, boxing at 4 PM, and finishing with MMA training including jiu-jitsu and sparring at 7 PM, she embodies the discipline required for championship success.
2
Amazing Team
_“My entire life is MMA and everything I do involves getting better,“_ says Robledo. _“I have an amazing team with me. My dad is my coach and is constantly with me & helping me continue to grow my game overall. My coaches put in many hours to fix the details that make a huge difference.”_
Technical Mastery in the Cage
Known for her well-rounded skillset, Robledo has proven herself both on the feet and on the ground.
Her professional record stands at 2-1-0, with her most recent victory coming via guillotine choke against Zurina Turrey at RUF 59.
Her amateur career showcased her versatility, with victories coming through both submissions and technical knockouts.
Mental Game and Recovery
1
Physical Training
_“The amount of physical training I do helps me with mental preparation because I know I do everything possible to be better every single day,”_ she explains.
2
Quality over Quantity
_“It’s not just about the quantity of training sessions, but the quality of them. Focusing on getting better and being prepared in any given situation is where the confidence comes.”_
3
Learning from Setbacks
_“I have dealt with losses in my overall competitive career, and I see it as an opportunity to learn from that experience and get better from it. Knowing that there are still things to improve on keeps me motivated because I want to be the best at everything.”_
Beyond the Cage
When she’s not training for MMA, Robledo pursues another passion in professional wrestling, which she began training for in 2023. This additional pursuit connects back to her earliest combat sports influences: _“I grew up watching pro wrestling since I was 8 years old, and I have always been obsessed with it.”_
Her dual interest in MMA and professional wrestling puts her in a unique position as combat sports entertainment evolves. With the recent merger creating TKO Group Holdings, Robledo’s aspirations span both worlds: _“I would love to be a part of a major pro wrestling company. Seeing that TKO is with both UFC and WWE is amazing, and I think it would be the coolest thing to be a part of both companies.”_
The Road Ahead
UFC Soon
Currently ranked #107 in North America’s pound-for-pound women’s rankings and #5 in California’s women’s rankings, Robledo has her sights set on bigger stages. _“I hope to be signed to the UFC soon and make my way up the rankings to a world championship,”_ she says.
Inspire the New Generation
Her ultimate goal extends beyond personal achievement: _“I hope that I can be one of the best fighters/athletes in the world, male or female. I hope I can inspire the new generation of fighters with my fighting style and work ethic, like the fighters I grew up with have done for me.”_
The Upcoming Challenge
RUF 61
The February 15th title defense against Forrest Molinari at RUF 61 represents more than just another fight – it’s an opportunity to showcase her evolution as a fighter and defend her position at the top of the promotion.