Coach Joey Villasenor

Assistant Coach at Jackson Wink MMA Academy

Background and Career

Joey Villaseñor is a Mexican-American professional mixed martial artist with a career spanning over two decades. He has competed in several renowned organizations, including PRIDE Fighting Championships, Strikeforce, EliteXC, King of the Cage, DEEP, Shark Fights, BAMMA, and the World Fighting Alliance. Known for his resilience and skill, Villaseñor is a former King of the Cage Middleweight Champion, successfully defending the title on seven occasions before transitioning to PRIDE.

Early Life and Athletic Journey

Born in East Los Angeles, Villaseñor spent his formative years there before relocating to New Mexico in 1984. He attended Farmington High School and also spent time at West Mesa High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Throughout his high school years, Villaseñor showcased his athleticism by participating in various sports such as baseball, football, and track and field. While he initially found UFC events brutal, he developed a desire to learn self-defense and began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and boxing at the age of 19. Villaseñor's talent in boxing was evident, earning him four Amateur Regional Boxing Championships with an undefeated record of 16-0, 15 of which were wins by knockout.

Professional Career and Accomplishments

Joey Villaseñor made his professional MMA debut in April 1999, quickly establishing an impressive record of 15 consecutive victories. His remarkable performance caught the attention of PRIDE Fighting Championships, leading to his signing with the organization. Over the course of his career, Villaseñor faced some of the biggest names in the sport, demonstrating his ability to compete at the highest level.

Contributions to Jackson Wink MMA Academy

Villaseñor holds a significant place in the history of Jackson Wink MMA Academy as one of the original fighters representing the renowned institution. With his wealth of experience and expertise, he serves as a valuable asset to the team. Joey's extensive knowledge of the sport and his passion for sharing it with fellow athletes make him one of the most sought-after instructors for private sessions.

Instructor and Social Media Presence

Joey Villaseñor's vast experience and skills have made him a highly respected figure in the MMA community. As a result, he is frequently requested as an instructor, thanks to his ability to impart knowledge and techniques to aspiring fighters. For those interested in following his journey or booking his services, Joey can be found on social media platforms or contacted directly.

Joey Villaseñor's enduring career, marked by his tenacity and accomplishments in various MMA organizations, solidifies his status as a revered veteran of the sport. His presence and contributions to Jackson Wink MMA Academy continue to inspire and elevate the skills of the athletes he instructs, making him a valuable asset to the team and the wider MMA community.

our world-class coaching team

The coaching staff at Jackson Wink MMA Academy comprises a highly skilled and dedicated group of trainers and instructors who possess a wealth of experience and expertise in various martial arts disciplines, providing comprehensive guidance and support to athletes of all levels.

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Train With The Best.

When training at Jackson Wink MMA Academy you are constantly surrounded by professional athletes and world-class coaches. The Academy attracts top-level fighters from around the world, which means that there is always someone to train with who can push you to your limits and help you improve.

Why We're Special

Jackson Wink MMA Academy is considered one of the best mixed martial arts (MMA) training facilities in the world. Head coaches Greg Jackson and Mike Winkeljohn have trained and cornered some of the top fighters in the sport, including Jon Jones, Georges St-Pierre, and Holly Holm, among others.

Our Facility

Our main training location in Albuquerque, New Mexico is a 30,000 square facility equipped with everything a fighter needs to train and prepare for a fight. Our gym includes a full-size octagon, lots of heavy bags, wrestling mats, a strength and conditioning area, cardio area, pro shop, and more.