Inside Apex: The Fighter’s Journey with Jeshua "Chango" Padilla

Inside Apex: The Fighter’s Journey with Jeshua "Chango" Padilla

In the world of combat sports, there are fighters—and then there are warriors who fight battles far beyond the cage. Jeshua "Chango" Padilla is one of those warriors. His journey is not just about winning fights but about overcoming self-doubt, anxiety, and the mental battles that come with chasing greatness.

In this exclusive Apex Insider interview, Jeshua gives us a raw and honest look at his experience with Apex Fight League, his daily grind, and what fuels him to keep pushing forward.

🔥 Life Inside Apex Fight League

When asked about his experience with Apex Fight League, Jeshua doesn’t hesitate:

🗣 "They are really on top of things. They try to get their fighters out there, and they treat you like you are pro already."

That level of commitment to the fighters is what sets Apex Fight League apart. Fighters aren’t just showing up for a fight—they’re becoming part of a promotion that values them and pushes them forward.

And when it comes to fight night? Jeshua describes the energy as:

🗣 "Chaotic in a good way! It’s a natural energy you can feel, and the crowd feeds into it."

But for him, the real magic isn’t just about his fights—it’s about watching the next generation rise:

🗣 "There are way too many moments to choose just one, but my favorite part is seeing the youth—watching what they’ve learned, how much they’ve progressed, and seeing them fight without fear or doubt."

🧠 Fighting More Than Opponents: The Mental Battle

For Jeshua, fighting isn’t just about stepping into the cage—it’s about facing himself every single day.

🗣 "Honestly, I fight my depression and anxiety daily. Fighting is my true passion, but it’s more than that. It’s my safe place. I feel like I should be somewhere I’m not yet, and that’s what keeps me going."

It hasn’t always been an easy road. One of the toughest moments in his career was when he faced three consecutive losses in three different sports. It forced him to take a step back and question if fighting was really his future.

🗣 "I had to ask myself, ‘Is this a career for me? Am I good enough, or is this just a pastime?’ It tested me mentally, but in the end, it made me stronger."

How did he overcome it? By showing up.

🗣 "You get better by showing up. I knew I was too good for what I was showing, so I just had to show up and put in the work."

🥊 The Hard Work Fans Don’t See

The fight starts long before the cage doors close. For Jeshua, even his days off aren’t really ‘off.’

🗣 "Right now, while we’re talking, I’m preparing a hot sauna bath on my day off to cut water weight."

Training for a fight isn’t just about grinding through workouts—it’s about pushing beyond your limits and always searching for ways to improve.

🗣 "You have to double and triple what you’re doing, find things you’ve never done before, and push to be better than you were yesterday. Then, after the fight, push to be even better than that."

And while fans see fighters walk out with confidence, the emotions behind the scenes tell a different story.

🗣 "It takes a truly strong mind to prepare for what we do. Fans don’t see the anxiety. They see us come out with a face on, but the truth is, we’re just trying to calm our nerves. No one really talks about the fact that once you put those gloves on—there’s no turning back."

Even just talking about it in this interview, Jeshua admits:

🗣 "I can feel the tension and anxiety even now."

💡 What Drives Him to Keep Going?

🗣 Discipline.

That’s what separates fighters from those who just dream about being one.

🗣 "I put in hard work during training camp so that I know I will be successful in the fight. That’s what keeps me focused."

His ultimate goal? To be one of the best.

🗣 "I want to be one of the most technical, driven, and exciting fighters out there. I want people to hear ‘Jeshua Chango Padilla is fighting’ and immediately say, ‘I HAVE to watch that fight!’"

For young fighters looking to make their mark, Jeshua keeps it simple:

🗣 "Always be who you are."

And where does he see himself in five years?

🗣 "Under the bright lights of the UFC or Top Rank."

🚀 What’s Next for Jeshua "Chango" Padilla?

The journey doesn’t stop here. Jeshua continues to train, improve, and push himself beyond his limits—not just as a fighter, but as a man.

Reflecting on his path, Jeshua shares:

🗣 "I am grateful for mixed martial arts and the struggle I've had to endure during this journey. I wish I started earlier. Trust in the Lord's path, for only He knows your destiny."

Apex Fight League is proud to have warriors like Jeshua "Chango" Padilla representing what it means to never back down, never give up, and always show up.

Stay tuned for more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes stories—only on Apex Insider.

🔥 Want to see Jeshua "Chango" Padilla in action? Keep up with Apex Fight League’s upcoming events and don’t miss the next time he steps into the cage! 💪🥊