MMA Fighter Sammy Oropeza Helping HF KO Cancer

MMA Fighter Sammy Oropeza Helping HEADstrong Foundation™ To KO Blood Cancer

Holmes, PA – On Saturday, November 15th, 2013 MMA’s Sammy Oropeza (9-2) will square-off against Chip Moraza-Pollard (7-5) at Revel Casino in Atlantic City, NJ as part of Bellator 108. While Oropeza is viewing this fight as the opportunity to make his mark on the MMA world, he is also using the fight as an opportunity to make a statement in support of the HEADstrong Foundation™. HEADstrong Foundation™ is a non-profit organization heading efforts to improve the quality of life for those affected by blood cancers and supports those working to eliminate the disease.

Oropeza, a native to Delaware County, Pennsylvania grew up just minutes from Nick House™, a facility operated by the HEADstrong Foundation™ with the purpose of providing complimentary housing to patients and families traveling to Philadelphia for cancer related treatment.

“Over the years I’ve heard a lot about the HEADstrong Foundation™ and always knew they were doing incredible things but I never really understood what they were all about. After visiting Nick’s House™ and spending time with the organization, I was totally blown away by every aspect of the organization, their passion for selflessly helping others and their commitment to supporting families all over the country dealing with the blood cancers.” said Oropeza

Earlier this week the HEADstrong Foundation™ proudly announced Sam Oropeza as the newest member to their Team of Champions™. HF’s Team of Champions™ consists of a group of professional athletes using their status to make a difference in the lives of others affected by blood cancer. Team of Champions™ members support for the HEADstrong Foundation™ by wearing their signature lime green shoelaces, which is the national awareness color for non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and the disease that claimed the life of HF founder Nicholas “HEAD” Colleluori.

Oropeza’s journey into martial arts began when he was a child after taking his first kickboxing class at a boxing gym in Upper Darby, PA. Throughout high school he wrestled but it was not until college that Sam discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and instantly fell in love with the training, discipline of the martial art. Sam started to compete every month in grappling tournaments and in 2 years of training he received his purple belt from Phil Migliaresse. In 2008, Sam started to shift his focus to Mixed Martial Arts competition and took his first amateur fight. Since then Sam has compiled a 9-2 professional MMA record and has fought in Strikeforce, King of the Cage, and Bellator. Sam also has trained with many world champions in the sport, but more importantly has developed great friendships and lives a positive healthy lifestyle.

“Being part of the HEADstrong Foundation really means a great deal to me! I feel I have to live up to the relentless attitude they show up with every day. To be able to wear the HEADstrong logo into the cage and represent those battling blood cancers is a privilege and something that motivates me to allows push myself to the limit. My commitment to everyone at Revel Casino, HEADstrong, and Bellator is that I will carry that relentless spirit into my fight and bring the excitement and energy for every second of that fight!” – Sam Oropeza

“On behalf of the HEADstrong Foundation™ we wish to welcome Sam Oropeza to our Team of Champions™. Sam has always distinguished himself as a hardworking, relentless athlete and is a great spokesperson to represent our cause in the MMA world. We believe that Sam is a wonderful figure of hope, strength and encouragement for all of those in the fight against blood cancers. We would like to wish Sam the best of luck on November 15th at Bellator 108 and we look forward to cheering on our champion.” -Cheryl Colleluori, HEADstrong President and Nick’s Mom

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