On Friday, September 6 at ONE 168: Denver, Mexican standout Josue “Tuzo” Cruz will look to secure a historic win.

That night, live in U.S. primetime from Ball Arena, the 28-year-old striker will square off with teenage phenom Johan “Jojo” Ghazali in an explosive flyweight Muay Thai contest that promises white-knuckle action for as long as it lasts.

Josue Cruz’s way to harness balance family life and martial arts

A decorated fighter who dominated Mexico’s regional scene before arriving at the world’s largest martial arts organization, Cruz balances the life of a world-class athlete with that of a father. He says that maintaining a healthy family life remains one of his proudest achievements.

“Outside the ring, one of my biggest accomplishments has been finding my wife and having my family. Especially creating a strong union between my family and both my parents and sister,” Cruz said.

What’s more, as one of his country’s leading fighters, “Tuzo” is proud to be enriching the lives of other through the art of Muay Thai:

“Also, being able to help people with martial arts. People that may be overweight or may lack self-confidence, and being able to help them overcome these obstacles is one of my best achievements. It’s what makes me happy. Inside the ring, my biggest victory has been representing Mexico in other countries and getting my hand raised.”

Cruz Aims to make history with first ONE Championship win

Despite all that he has to be proud of outside of the ring, Cruz is still in search of his first victory in ONE. After racking up 17 professional kickboxing and Muay Thai victories in Mexico, he has since suffered back-to-back losses against top opposition in ONE.

And while he’s certainly proud to be the first-ever Mexican athlete to be signed by ONE, he hopes to make history at ONE 168 as the first Mexican to have his hand raised inside the Circle.

Cruz knows he’s in for a stiff test against the hard-hitting Ghazali, but with history on his mind, he stands to make waves in Denver:

“Being in ONE Championship, being the first Mexican to be signed in ONE Championship I think is one of the greatest victories in my life. Now, I want to be the first Mexican to win inside of ONE Championship.”