Fighter visits Airmen, fans at base fitness center

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joe McFadden
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  A professional mixed-martial artist autographed karate belts, posed for pictures and spoke about the sport to dozens of Airmen and civilians in Hurlburt Field's Aderholt Fitness Center April 9.

Hermes Franca, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt champion, who also happens to be Brazilian, visited with fans on base before conducting a seminar at a new training center in Fort Walton Beach, Fla.

Mr. Franca, known as "The Unreal" to his fans, is a retired Ultimate Fighting Championship competitor who won the World Extreme Cagefighting lightweight championship in 2006.

A resident of Palm Beach County, Fla., he said he was excited to make the trip to northwest Florida to meet fans and share some lessons at the center.

"When they told me we would visit an Air Force base, I just had to come by," Mr. Franca said.

Mr. Franca has made several base visits during his career, including a USO tour in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"I like how the United States supports you, and how you support them," he said in reference to service members. "That's really nice. I've visited a lot of soldiers who are happy because they are doing what they want to do."

When asked by fans about his workout session, Mr. Franca talked about his intense training schedule that included nearly eight hours a day of circuit training, boxing, wrestling, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

"You have to really like what you're doing to do it this much," he said.

Mr. Franca added that a healthy diet goes hand-in-hand with exercise to maintain a healthy body.

"Eating healthy is always a good idea," he said. "Evaluate what you eat. Go step by step and cut some fat and sugar off each meal. If you decide to eat well now, it will benefit you for the duration of your life."

While speaking to an audience of adults, Mr. Franca emphasized the need to get children involved in physical activity.

"A lot of children stay inside playing video games and lose a big part of their childhood: playing sports like basketball, going to the beach and swimming, etc." he said. "They should use their energy as kids in the right way-- all while having fun. Plus, sports are a great way for them to build their confidence, not just for the competition but for school as well."

Senior Airman Warnia Daigle, 1st Special Operations Maintenance Operations Squadron, said meeting Mr. Franca was a big deal.

"This was a good opportunity for fans like me to meet him," Airman Daigle said. "Plus it's nice to see him visit with the military and show his support."

Airman Daigle also brought his one year old daughter Jordan who he said likes to watch several of the UFC's fight nights at home.

When he finished signing autographs and posing for pictures with Airmen, Mr. Franca said visiting Hurlburt Field was a wonderful experience.

"Thanks for bringing me here today," he said. "You all are the real fighters."