Ruben ‘Warpath’ Villareal is an American MMA (mixed martial arts) fighter. He was born on 5th January 1970, which ages him at 41 years old. Here are some interesting facts about his career:
• A former professional wrestler
• Known for his willingness to fight at short notice
• Suspended and fined for testing positive for anabolic steroids in November 2007
A former professional wrestler, Villareal has managed to retain some parts of his pro-wrestling persona during his MMA career. For example, he often wears stage makeup on his face, much like some of the professional wrestlers of other sports entertainment company’s such as the WWE, who often forgo their normal selves in favour on an onstage persona, ramping up the drama as they do so. He is also a form Gladiator Challenge Heavyweight Champion.
Despite the ‘real’ combat of MMA fighting compared to the often scripted and dramatized for entertainment purposes world of the WWE, Villareal has managed to hold on to some of the drama and soap opera-esque story lines of his earlier career, becoming notorious for fighting at short notice, often stepping in for other injured fighters. For example, at WFA-King of the Streets, he stepped in for Kimo Leopoldo. He also fought Bas Rutten in Rutten’s first match in 7 years, ultimately losing by TKO (technical knock out) via leg kicks.
Suspended and find for testing positive for anabolic steroids in November 2007 in Hollywood, California, Villareal returned to MMA after his TKO loss to Jimmy Ambriz in the WCFO event, and recently lost a decision to Brett Rogers.
• A former professional wrestler
• Known for his willingness to fight at short notice
• Suspended and fined for testing positive for anabolic steroids in November 2007
A former professional wrestler, Villareal has managed to retain some parts of his pro-wrestling persona during his MMA career. For example, he often wears stage makeup on his face, much like some of the professional wrestlers of other sports entertainment company’s such as the WWE, who often forgo their normal selves in favour on an onstage persona, ramping up the drama as they do so. He is also a form Gladiator Challenge Heavyweight Champion.
Despite the ‘real’ combat of MMA fighting compared to the often scripted and dramatized for entertainment purposes world of the WWE, Villareal has managed to hold on to some of the drama and soap opera-esque story lines of his earlier career, becoming notorious for fighting at short notice, often stepping in for other injured fighters. For example, at WFA-King of the Streets, he stepped in for Kimo Leopoldo. He also fought Bas Rutten in Rutten’s first match in 7 years, ultimately losing by TKO (technical knock out) via leg kicks.
Suspended and find for testing positive for anabolic steroids in November 2007 in Hollywood, California, Villareal returned to MMA after his TKO loss to Jimmy Ambriz in the WCFO event, and recently lost a decision to Brett Rogers.