The temptation is tough to ignore, but Brock University student Anthony Romero has decided school is more important than earning a paycheque as a professional fighter.

The second-year Recreation and Leisure Studies student from Welland has established himself as a top mixed martial arts prospect.

After a perfect 5-0 record in 2016, Romero earned amateur fighter of the year, and fight of the year awards by the Bluegrass MMA organization.

I know I can’t fight forever, so I want to make sure I have something as my backup

He also won three title belts from three separate organizations and spent some time training in Montreal with Canada’s most famous MMA fighter, George St. Pierre.

But any thoughts of turning professional, which would mean getting paid for his fights and endorsement deals, are on hold until Romero wraps up his four-year degree at Brock.

“I know I can’t fight forever, so I want to make sure I have something as my backup in case my plans don’t work out,” said Romero. “It’s very tempting because to be a professional is a main goal for me. I’ve been thinking about it – but it’s something that once you turn pro, you can’t go back.”

Remaining an amateur fighter means a busy schedule for him.

After squeezing in a morning run, Romero heads to Brock most days of the week, then works at Modern Vision MMA teaching classes and training others in the early evenings. Once his work his done, he sticks around at the gym to do his own training — usually for more than two hours.

The next day he wakes up early and starts the routine over again.

“It’s been pretty busy since I started university but I’m starting to get used to it,” he said.

Romero has also done some training with the Brock Badgers wrestling program and its legendary coach Marty Calder, allowing him to spar with athletes who bring a whole different set of skills to the mat.

“At my own gym I’m used to my training partners, but when I go there, there are all different styles,” he said.

Romero’s next fight will be at Seneca Casino in Niagara Falls, N.Y. on Saturday, Feb. 25, the day he turns 20 years old.

Since most of his bouts have been in Ohio or Pennsylvania, this is as close to home as his big fights have ever been.

“A lot of people have asked me if I’m nervous because a lot of people are going to be there, but I’m actually really excited,” he said.

To read more about Romero, see this story in the Welland Tribune.