Amateur MMA fighter Geoff Villarreal has had an extremely tough road to say the least. Not only is he one-handed but he’s also battled many other serious health issues throughout his life like testicular cancer, depression as well as a rare liver disorder where most patients who are diagnosed die within 10 years.

Geoff hasn’t let all that get in the way of his dreams of being an MMA fighter however. He first got his start in wrestling where he says it was the first sport that he could really excel at and enjoy despite his handicap.

His wrestling experience got him interested in grappling which led him to Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) where he eventually earned his black belt. Earning a black belt in BJJ is an incredible achievement for anybody let alone someone with only one hand.

Geoff’s experience with BJJ eventually led him all the way to MMA where he’s had several amateur fights and is hoping to make his professional debut later this year.

Despite all that Geoff has overcame in his 29-years, throughout his amateur career he says he’s had a hard time finding opponents because of his handicap. According to Geoff “They doubt the situation or doubt themselves, they don’t want to lose to a guy with one hand. It’s been difficult and somewhat disappointing but I’m sure I’ll get my foot in the door here soon with pro MMA.”

Towards the end of the video, Geoff admits he’s dealt with circumstantial depression after all that he’s had to deal with in his life. Geoff says “I’ve had plenty of moments where I wanted to give up. Give up on life. Give up on my existence because you think that there’s just nothing that’s going to break or give way and I’m like this is it, this is where I end but I end up surprising myself and getting through those times.”

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Geoff Villarreal, who trains out of Victory MMA in San Diego, says all those tough times may have in fact actually helped to give him more fire and determination in order to prove everyone wrong.