Mexico’s Daniel “Golden Boy” Zellhuber (7-0) belongs to the new breed of fighters taking over “La Jaula” on Friday May 31, when Combate Americas arrives for the first time in Peru.

At only 19 years old, Zellhuber is considered one of the top MMA ranked fighters in Mexico and Latin America, dominating the lightweight division. After beginning training in Muay Thai, the Mexican fighter turned to MMA. Since his professional debut in 2016 he has become a force in each of the promotions where he has fought, including Combate Américas.

Thanks to his reach and striking ability, Zellhuber started his career with a 5-0 record before signing with Combate Americas, getting finishes in three out of his five victories. With this record in hand, the fighter know as “Golden Boy” entered “La Jaula” for the first time to face Jose Luis Medrano in Combat 21.

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In that fight, Zellhuber won a unanimous decision, demonstrating high fighting IQ, maturity and patience, traits often missing in a very young fighter. He was quickly being compared to fellow Mexican fighter, Yair Rodriguez, due to both their use of Muay Thai, their reach and aggressiveness.

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Daniel’s most recent fight in “La Jaula” was in November 2018, as part of Combate Monterrey. He faced Salvador Izar, and again, he put on show, displaying high level Muay Thai techniques. He defeated his opponent by TKO in the second round, remaining undefeated and getting his second victory in a row inside the company.

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“Golden Boy” is Combate Peru’s main event later this month, facing Peruvian sensation Gian Franco Cortéz (4-0), a fighter with a boxing base, and who, like him, is undefeated as a professional. Although Franco might seem like a less experienced fighter than Zellhuber, he has had a career with an amateur record of 4-1, making this fight more even in terms of experience.

Managing the distance and striking will be an important aspect in this fight, given the styles and physical build of both fighters. It will be the first time that Zellhuber faces a fighter as young as he is, and one with similar height, but he feels confident that he can walk out with the victory.

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“I think he’s a strong guy, like I’m telling you, he’s still unbeaten,” Zellhuber said of his rival, in an interview with Combate Americas. “What do I think of him? As a person I respect him, but this is a business, it’s a sport after all, and it’s not personal. I think we’re both going to try to do our best in “La Jaula.” We both want to continue undefeated, but only one of us can.  And, of course, that will be me.”

Combate Peru will take place at Coliseo Manuel Bonilla in Lima, Peru. The event will be broadcast exclusively in English in the United States and Canada on DAZN (12am E, 11pm C, 9pm PAC), as well as on Univision (12am E, 11pm C) and on Univisión Deportes (12am E, 11pm C, 9pm PAC).