Although only 5 feet 2 inches and weighs only 125 pounds, Avery Vilche walked confidently into the cage, ready to train with a young man at least 15 pounds heavier than she. Almost immediately, she took over, throwing him around with more strength than anyone would expect from the tiny fighter.
Nicknamed the Eskimo warrior, the 41-year mixed martial arts fighter from Red Bluff may not have the size in his corner, but it has never been one to shrink from a challenge. After starting as a boxer before women were even allowed to participate in U.S.Amateur boxing, and winning praise from many, including a gold medal in the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics, Vilche continues to overcome obstacles and adversity as she trains for his next fight in North Carolina, Friday (June 17).