Miguel Portillo Hernaiz is a relentless force in the ring, known for his forward pressure and evolving, dynamic fighting style. Training out of Supafoot Muay Thai, Miguel competes in the 61kg weight class and brings an intense passion to every session and every bout. What began as a personal escape from childhood bullying has transformed into a disciplined pursuit of excellence in both Muay Thai and K1. With each fight and every round of training, Miguel continues to sharpen his craft, driven not by titles or fame, but by the desire to reach the peak of his athletic and physical potential.

What inspired you to start training in combat sports?
I used to get bullied as a kid and ended up quitting a lot of sports because of it. One day, I came across a gym in my area and decided to give it a try. I fell in love with it straight away.

Which discipline did you start with, and how has your style evolved?
I started with Muay Thai. What really drew me in was the flow between the boxing, the kicks, and especially the body shots. Over time, I realized that K1 suited me even more, so I began competing in both. Each year, my style evolves. Visiting Thailand was a game-changer—my kicks and my ability to control the fight improved immensely.

How would you describe your fighting style in one sentence?
Forward pressure.

Who are your biggest influences or role models in combat sports?
I don’t really have many role models in the sport. I wake up every day trying to be the best version of myself. I’m not chasing the image of the next Buakaw or Saenchai—I’m chasing my own peak. That said, when I was younger, Tyler Hogan really inspired me. Watching him knock out people three times his size gave me hope that someone like me could make it.

What’s been the toughest fight of your career so far, and why?
My last fight, a four-man tournament where I had to fight twice in one night. I had several injuries going in, ones that could’ve made most people pull out. But my coaches, my teammates, and I pushed through. It was the most exhausting day of my life, both physically and mentally.

How do you mentally prepare before stepping into the ring or cage?
At the beginning of my fight career, I was terrified before every match. But with experience, I realized my opponent is feeling the same fear. We both chose to be here because we love this sport. Now I understand that fights are won in training.

What’s your training schedule like during fight camp versus the off-season?
During fight camp, it’s a full-on grind. I train five to six days a week, twice a day. I’m in the gym early—unless the bus is late—and leave late. Running, sparring, extra rounds, always doing more.
Off-season is lighter, about three times a week of solid training. It’s about maintaining fitness and sharpness while enjoying life a bit more.

How important is diet and recovery in your routine?
Diet is crucial. You need the right balance—too many calories and you gain weight, too few and you can’t train properly. A good nutritionist makes a massive difference.
Recovery is just as important. Overtraining can break you down worse than not training enough. Your body stops responding, so rest days are non-negotiable.

Have you ever had to overcome a major injury or setback? How did you bounce back?
I’ve had issues with my shoulder and toe. When I couldn’t kick with my right foot due to my toe, I spent three months developing my southpaw stance. Now it’s one of my key tactics.
When I couldn’t throw a right hand after a bad sweep, I trained my hooks instead. Today, they’re one of my biggest strengths.

Do you study your opponents before fights, or rely more on your instincts?
Always study my opponents. We look for weaknesses and build a strategy to exploit them on fight night.

How do you handle nerves or pressure before a big match?
Understanding that both of us chose to be here helps. I remind myself that my preparation gives me the edge. Nerves are part of it, but I’ve learned how to channel them.

What’s one misconception people have about combat sports or fighters?
People think I’m a violent person, that I’m going to beat someone up if I get angry. That’s far from true. I’ve never been in a fight outside the ring and don’t plan to be.

Is there a dream opponent or match you’d love to have in the future?
My dream is to win the Professional WBC World Championship.

How do you balance the intensity of combat sports with your personal life?
It’s hard. I’ve lost some connections because of it, but I’ve also built the right circle. My people understand when I can’t go out or need to train. Some even join me at the gym or stay late for extra rounds—and I appreciate that more than they know.

How do you stay focused during a long, grueling round?
Keep moving, keep your hands up, and don’t waste energy. Even when you’re tired, you can score. Use your teeps, jabs, and footwork to stay in control.

What advice would you give to young fighters just starting out?
Stick to it. It’s going to be tough in the beginning. Things will go wrong. People will get jealous. But tune out the noise and focus on your journey.
Make sure your coaches and teammates genuinely want the best for you—and always listen to them.

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