Before each mixed martial arts fight, Austin’s Thomas Herrera waits to enter the cage and reflects on the potential outcomes. Then his name is announced, fans cheer, his entrance song — most recently “Clubbed to Death” by Rob Dougan — plays, and Herrera walks to the cage before he and his trainer make final preparations.

“The cage door locks shut and that’s probably the most unreal and most BA feeling,” Herrera said.

For Herrera, that’s his favorite moment of each fight; it’s a culmination when months of training is about to be put on the line. When the cage closes for Herrera at the A-Town Throwdown Three on June 27 at the Holiday Inn’s Austin Conference Center, 1701 Fourth St. NW, Herrera, 9-2, will fight Melvin Cruz to defend the 185-pound title he won Feb. 1.

Herrera was looking forward to an exciting event, as he said the fanbase for MMA is expanding in Austin and around the world.

“Mixed martial arts is the fastest growing sport in the world,” Herrera said.

Holiday Inn General Manager Tracy Benesh has seen the same trend locally.

“I think it’s becoming more popular in our community as awareness grows,” Benesh said.

Months in the making

Herrera’s MMA career dates to August of 2011. He’d wrestled at Austin High School and wanted to continue a contact sport, especially one where he could focus his efforts on his own matches.

He found a gym that offered Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and someone suggested he try MMA.

Herrera fell in love with the lifestyle and the work ethic required. Fighters don’t just step into the cage to fight, the sport requires months of preparation and dedication.

“It’s something that you have to be very genuinely passionate about,” Herrera said.

Herrera has two strength and conditioning workouts, one at the YMCA and another at Anytime Fitness — both include many cardiovascular workouts and strength exercises for a particular muscle group. He also trains at Mario Roberto’s Jiu Jitsu Academy in Rochester.

Herrera trains six to eight hours a day. In the morning, he’ll typically complete two to three two-hour workout sessions throughout the day before evening training session for a martial arts styles. He gradually bumps up his training as a fight nears.

“It’s a pretty long day,” he said.

Without passion, Herrera said most people would give up due to all the training and dedication required. However, Herrera likes that fighting keeps him in shape and focused.

“The greatest thing you can do for yourself is take care of yourself and health and wellness, and that’s what I get to do everyday,” Herrera said.

On top of all the training, Herrera also works at the Holiday Inn and Torge’s Live, serving food and waiting tables while also serving as security. He also is a server for weddings and events, and he’s in the National Guard.

Herrera is far from just a bruiser outside of MMA; in fact, he described MMA as a sport of discipline that requires respect for opponents.

Herrera plans to attend Riverland Community College next fall to pursue a nursing degree, and he’d like one day put those skills to use in a third world country.

“I’d just like to go and help those who need it the most,” he said.

A fourth fight?

The Holiday Inn sponsors Herrera, and Benesh said having an Austin native like Herrera only helps bring people to fights.

“He is very popular within the community,” Benesh said. “He’s a great guy.”

Herrera fights for Driller MMA/SEG Promotions. Benesh commended the promoter for attracting people from the Twin Cities to matches in Austin, according to Benesh.

“They really bring a lot of people to the community,” Benesh said of the fights.

The Holiday Inn hosts three fights a year and many tickets sell out in advance. With positive feedback, organizers are looking into a fourth, potentially outdoor fight for future years.

“They’ve grown each year and each fight they get more and more popular,” Benesh said.

The fight is for all ages, and Herrera encouraged people to have a safe, responsible time.

“We encourage people to have fund and have a good time. … I encourage all people to be there,” Herrera said.

Benesh said fights attract people of all ages from children to senior citizens. People are always respectful, according to Benesh, and MMA fans aren’t the ones to be rowdy and start fights.

Tickets at $30 general admission seats, $60 for VIP seats, $75 for table seats and $100 for front row seating.

“Shows sell out very, very fast too,” Herrera said. “I encourage people to get tickets as soon as possible.”

Herrera recommended people pay for a seating, as general admission is standing-room only and the event last for about 12 to 15 fights per event. Herrera’s fight will be at the end.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the fight begins at 7 p.m.

To buy tickets through Herrera, visit his Facebook page at  www.facebook.com/thomasherrerammafanpage or email tom.herr58@gmail.com. Tickets are also available at www.cagetix.com. Tickets are also available at the Holiday Inn.