Anthony Robles is used to overcoming challenges. The man was born with one leg, and still won a Division I NCAA wrestling championship. It's not surprising to hear that the challenge of MMA holds interest for the Arizona State grad and motivational speaker.
"It's a possibility. Right now, I'm focused on my speaking career, but when I'm in Arizona, I'm wrestling and I'm learning jiu-jitsu," Robles told Cagewriter. "I'm having fun with it. I would always get the fight question when I wrestled in college, I would say, well, if they ever make a 125-pound weight class in MMA, I'd be there. They just made it."
The UFC's recent addition of flyweights opens the door for Robles, but in the meantime, he has plenty on his plate. He is working on a book, movie rights and this week, he's in New York with the Challenged Athletes Foundation, a group that supports the endeavors of physically challenged athletes. He likes getting to meet other athletes like him because of the way they see each other.
"To ourselves, we're not disabled. We're not handicapped. We're just out there doing the best with what we have, and we're going to do everything we can to beat whoever comes across our paths. Just to be in the same room as these other competitors now, they get that mindset. We have that bond, of us showing the world what we're capable of."
[Related: Kevin Iole: UFC returns 'The Ultimate Fighter' to a taped format in hopes of ratings boost]
"We are honored to feature Anthony Robles at our 2012 Celebration of Heroes, Heart and Hope," said Virginia Tinley, the executive director of CAF. "His ability to overcome the odds, and his incredible achievements, make him a role model for both challenged athletes and able-bodied athletes alike. His success serves as an inspiring example that there are no limits to what the next generation of challenged athletes can accomplish, and CAF is proud to provide the support that will allow them to pursue their dreams."
The Celebration of Heroes, Heart and Hope took place in New York on Wednesday evening. In addition to Robles, the event featured challenged athletes Haven Shepherd, U.S. Army Major Daniel Gade and honored Third Point CEO Daniel Loeb.
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