In a World Where Pain Is the Price and Pressure Is the Weapon, Julio ‘PrimeTime’ Segarra Stands Unshaken: A Fighter Carving His Legacy One Brutal Round at a Time

A proud Puerto Rican competitor with a relentless mindset and a pressure-first style, Julio has transformed his early love for karate and admiration for Conor McGregor into a decorated amateur kickboxing career. After walking away from a lifetime of baseball and rediscovering martial arts in 2016, he found his true home at Rigoro Gym. Since then, he’s captured three amateur titles in the 145–150 pound division and is now preparing for his highly anticipated pro debut. Known for walking opponents down and turning fights into wars, Julio competes in kickboxing and brings the kind of heart, discipline, and grit that defines true warriors in the sport.

What inspired you to start training in combat sports?
I was a big fan of Conor McGregor and burned out from playing baseball all my life. I did karate when I was young, so I decided to get back into martial arts. I trained on and off from 2016 until I finally got my first fight in July 2021. That’s when I found my gym and home, where I’ve remained and captured three amateur titles so far. Now, I’m getting ready to make my pro debut.

Which discipline did you start with, and how has your style evolved?
Karate was my first martial art, and when I got back into the sport, that background stuck with me. But when I found Rigoro Gym, I started to adapt a more Dutch kickboxing style with pressure and combinations.

How would you describe your fighting style in one sentence?
Pressure. If you can’t hurt me, I’m going to walk you down and take you out.

Who are your biggest influences or role models in combat sports?
Conor McGregor, Giorgio Petrosyan, my coach Ricky. As a fellow Puerto Rican, Miguel Cotto is one of my all-time favorite athletes. Vasyl Lomachenko, Canelo Alvarez, Gervonta Davis, and Terence Crawford are also major inspirations.

What’s been the toughest fight of your career so far, and why?
My last fight was definitely my toughest. My opponent was just hard to land clean shots on and had the heart and determination to push me back. It was a great fight—he won—but I always come back stronger, no matter the outcome.

How do you mentally prepare before stepping into the ring or cage?
I lock in by listening to music, dancing, smiling, and laughing—anything that keeps me in a good mood. At the venue, I talk with teammates, then I flip the switch. I don’t focus on “what ifs.” I make sure I’m the one pressing forward and doing damage. If I don’t do it to him, he’s going to do it to me. Fighting is not a sport or a game. People get hurt, or worse. This is only for the ones built for pain, suffering, and lonely times. I stay focused on those nearest and dearest to me—my loved ones who keep me grounded.

What’s your training schedule like during fight camp versus the off-season?
I train five to six days a week year-round. The grind never really stops.

How important is diet and recovery in your routine?
Very important. I’m a professional, and when I sign up for a fight, I make weight. I’ve unfortunately fought a few unprofessional fighters who missed weight, and it’s upsetting. Those last few pounds make a big difference.

Have you ever had to overcome a major injury or setback? How did you bounce back?
Thankfully, I haven’t had anything major yet. I had a groin injury in March that forced me to pull out of a fight, but it was rescheduled for May and was about 90% healed by then. Every fighter goes into battle with something. You just have to push through.

What’s your go-to move or combination that opponents should fear?
I don’t have any specific go-to moves. I’ll just say I have power from both sides.

Do you study your opponents before fights, or rely more on your instincts?
A bit of both. I study their habits and look for repeated combos, but I also rely on instinct in the moment.

How do you handle nerves or pressure before a big match?
Once the bell rings, all the nerves go away.

What’s one misconception people have about combat sports or fighters?
That we’re violent or jerks. That couldn’t be further from the truth. You’ll meet some of the nicest and most humble people in a martial arts gym.

Which do you value more in a fight—technique, power, or heart? Why?
That’s hard. I’d say technique and heart. You need to know when to pace yourself, and if you get hurt, you need to weather the storm. Technique can sometimes be more effective than raw power because it helps you set up shots and land cleanly.

Is there a dream opponent or match you’d love to have in the future?
No, I just want to fight the best and keep growing.

How do you balance the intensity of combat sports with your personal life?
It’s tricky. Fighting is year-round, and I like to stay active, so I’m always in the gym training or teaching. But when there’s downtime, I believe it’s okay to enjoy yourself in moderation.

How do you stay focused during a long, grueling round?
Kill or be killed. The person in front of me wants to hurt me, and I can’t let that happen.

How do you handle criticism, whether from coaches, fans, or media?
I only care about the opinions of my coaches, teammates, and the people I train with. That’s who I listen to.

How do you want to be remembered in the world of combat sports?
As a warrior who fought the best of the best. The greatest Puerto Rican combat athlete ever.

What advice would you give to young fighters just starting out?
Never give up. There will be days full of rain, lightning, and thunder. But if you keep pushing forward, you’ll eventually see the sun shining through.

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