Luis Melendez

Luis Melendez was born to fight in Karate Combat. Not only did he start training in Karate since he was 3 years old but his very own parents first met each other in the Dojo. He would eventually go on to earn his Black Belt in both Shorinji Kempo and Isshin-Ryu. However there are many paths to the mountain top and Luis chose to chart his own path. He would start training in Taekwondo, earn his black belt, and join the World Taekwondo National Team. Competing in over 300 Taekwondo Fights winning 90% of those matches with an 80% KO average. He wouldn’t limit his exploration of the Martial Arts to just Karate and Taekwondo however. As an Amateur competitor he would also attain a 4-0 record in Muay Thai, 16-2 record in Jiu Jitsu (Purple Belt), and 5-3 record in MMA. He would make his Professional Debut in Kombat Taekwondo and win by Unanimous Decision. After this win he was invited to fight for a Karate Combat contract at Kickback 1 off the recommendation of former UFC Champion Anthony Pettis. He would earn his contract after an impressive debut and become the first Puerto Rican Fighter to be signed to Karate Combat. Bringing his martial arts journey full circle.