Tomas Ornelas isn’t just fighting — he was born for it. Literally.
The Denver native headlines Friday Night Fights: The Last Desperado this Friday, July 18, defending his Airtight Boxing title in the main event. Ornelas carries a 9-4 record with 5 knockouts — and a fighting style that’s all pressure, all the time.
“If anyone sits in there tight with me, I don’t think they can beat me on the inside,” he told MMA Futures. “I love to fight on the inside — and I don’t feel pressure when it’s my kind of fight.”
A product of a boxing family — his dad had over 60 amateur fights — Tomas’ journey to the ring took an unorthodox path. After a childhood injury and years away from the sport, he returned at age 21 and turned pro after just two no-headgear pro-am bouts. His initials, T.K.O., were even chosen on purpose.
“My dad named me that way,” he said. “T for Tomas, K for my middle name, and O for Ornelas. He wanted us to be fighters.”
Now he’s back in his hometown, defending his title in front of family, friends, and a rapidly growing fanbase. His opponent brings pressure too — but Ornelas sees that as an advantage.
Every event streams live and on demand — full cards, replays, and the archive.
Watch on MMA Futures“When someone wants to fight the way I do, that’s perfect. I just don’t think they can beat me in that kind of fight.”
Looking ahead, Tomas has bigger goals — possibly even a world title shot.
“We fought on ESPN. We’ve been tested. But I’m focused on this fight first. No looking past what’s right in front of me.”
🎥 Watch Tomas Ornelas defend his title live from the Eclipse Events Center in Denver — streaming only on MMA Futures this Friday at 6PM MT.
