Get to know Dana White’s Contender Series fighter Kevin “El Niño Bala” Syler

Las Vegas – The fourth season of the hit show Dana White’s Contender Series continues with Episode 3, featuring a lineup of rising athletes looking to make their dreams come true by impressing UFC President Dana White and earning a spot on the UFC roster.

The third episode of season four takes place on Tuesday, August 18 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, with all five bouts streaming exclusively on ESPN+ in the US. ESPN+ is available through the ESPN.com, ESPNPlus.com or the ESPN App on all major mobile and connected TV devices and platforms, including Amazon Fire, Apple, Android, Chromecast, PS4, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, X Box One and more. Fans can sign up for $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year, with no contract required.

NAME: Kevin Syler
NICKNAME: Kevin “El Niño Bala” Syler
WEIGHT CLASS: Lightweight
AGE: 27 years old – 7/29/93
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 5-9, 155
REACH: 71.5”
LEG REACH: 39.5”
STANCE: Switch
BIRTHPLACE: Santa Cruz, Bolivia
FIGHTING OUT OF: Boca Raton, FL
LANGUAGES SPOKEN: Spanish and English
STYLE: Striking
TRAINER: Ben Stark, Din Thomas, Conan Silveira
STRENGTHS: Striking, pressure, well-rounded.
TRAINING: Normally one training session in the morning and one in the evening. High
intensity work in the morning (sparring, live grappling, conditioning) and technical work at night
(drills, pads, footwork, etc.) Extras are stretching sessions and recovery every other day.
PROFESSIONAL MMA RECORD: 10-0
DWCS 3
Episode four (7/16/19) Syler won a three round unanimous decision over Lance Lawrence

Q&A

When and why did you start training for fighting? I’ve been in the martial arts world since I could walk, mainly watching my siblings train and the big boxing fights back in the day. I started formal training in a boxing gym when I was 12, just to stay active during my vacations, and eventually fell in love with it, transitioning to kickboxing then to MMA. By 17, I knew I wanted to be in the UFC one day.

What ranks and titles have you held? I was the IFG (Infuse Fight Gear) amateur bantamweight champ in 2013. I am undefeated as an amateur (9-0) and pro. Although not the official\ National champ, I am widely considered the best fighter, pound-for-pound, in my country.

Do you have any heroes? I am a devoted Christian so my one and only hero is my Lord Jesus Christ. People that I admire and hold deep in my heart are my mom, dad, and my two brothers. My childhood heroes and two favorite fighters ever are Mirko Cro Cop and Masato, the K-1 legend.

What would it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It would mean the realization of a lifetime dream and the opening of a new era for me. Of course, I will not be satisfied until I get many, many victories inside the Octagon.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I currently go to Florida Atlantic University, pursuing a degree in Psychology. I have a college degree from Palm Beach State College.

What was your job before you started fighting? I never had any other jobs; I went straight from high school in Bolivia to American Top Team in Florida

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? Undefeated, IFG Bantamweight Champion.

Ranks in any martial arts styles: I am a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I have over 13 years experience in striking arts (mainly boxing and kickboxing; I never spent more than month and half without training them).

Favorite grappling technique: Taking the back and going for chokes or punches.

Favorite striking technique: Anything that puts the guy out. My hands are my main asset
though.

Facebook account: Kevin Syler

Instagram account: kevinsylermma

OTHER KEY POINTS:

Pro since 2014
One win by KO, seven by submission (2 guillotine, triangle, heel hook, arm triangle, RNC)
Three first round finishes
Brother Bentley is a UFC and TUF Latin America vet

Q&A Courtesy of the UFC

FightBookMMA

Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer.