From the Wrestling Mat to the Fight Game
Before Anthony Mata ever stepped into a boxing ring or MMA cage, he was building his foundation on the wrestling mat. A four-year varsity wrestler, Mata competed at a high level throughout high school, gaining valuable experience as a freshman and continuing to develop through his senior year. Wrestling taught him discipline, toughness, and the ability to compete under pressure—qualities that would later shape his combat sports career.
After high school, life took a different direction. Plans to wrestle in college changed when Mata learned he was going to be a father. With a baby boy on the way, he went straight to work while attending Reedley College and spent two years coaching varsity wrestling. During a difficult period in his personal life, Mata found himself searching for an outlet and a new challenge.
That challenge came in 2018 when a friend encouraged him to walk through the doors of Dethrone MMA in Fresno.
The Beginning of a Fighting Career
Mata began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in November 2018. Four months later, he entered a tournament in San Jose and captured first place. Impressed by his performance and work ethic, his coaches asked if he would consider competing in MMA.
His answer was simple: “Train me how to strike.”
After several months of dedicated Muay Thai and boxing training, Mata made his MMA debut in 2019. From that moment on, he was hooked.
The Athlete Behind the Fighter
Sports have always been a major part of Mata’s life. A three-sport athlete growing up, he played football beginning at age seven, baseball at age five, and eventually found his true passion in wrestling during middle school.
“I got into wrestling because everyone started getting taller except me,” Mata joked. “I wanted a sport that focused on myself and what I could control.”
That decision led to four years of varsity wrestling and ultimately laid the groundwork for everything that followed in combat sports.
Balancing Corrections and Competition
Outside the gym, Mata serves as a Correctional Officer with CDCR. He began his career at Salinas Valley State Prison and later transferred back to California’s Central Valley in 2022. In July 2026, he will celebrate five years with the department.
Like many Battle of the Badges competitors, balancing shift work and training requires discipline and sacrifice. Mata currently trains at Ralph House of MMA and spends four to five days per week sharpening his skills around his work schedule.
Unfinished Business: June 27, 2026
On June 27, 2026, at the Central California Battle of the Badges: Unfinished Business, Mata will square off against Michael Valle of CDCR – Pleasant Valley State Prison in one of the most anticipated Jr. Cruiserweight matchups on the card.
Mata understands the challenge ahead.
“He’s more on the boxing side of the fight game. I’m on the MMA side,” Mata explains. “Unfortunately, I can’t use all the tools I have in my toolbox, so I see it as a slugfest with some high-level striking.”
As for his prediction?
“I was always told don’t let the judges decide. Hopefully I can finish the fight early.”
One thing is certain, when Anthony Mata steps into the ring at Fresno City College Gymnasium, he’ll bring the same mindset that has defined his journey from wrestler, to coach, to correctional officer, to fighter competing hard, keep moving forward, and never leave the outcome in someone else’s hands.