‘Wild’ times: Former MMA fighter finds niche as teacher
By ANDREW ROBISON
The Tower
From the octagon to the classroom, Vince Bordi has traveled a much different path than most teachers at Manteca High. Over the course of his short fighting career, Bordi was a perfect 5-0.
Bordi had a great base for MMA as he wrestled in high school and college even placing second in state back as a senior in high school.
Bordi knew after college that his next step would be to become an MMA fighter. With a slick wrestling background combined with his use of karate at a young age, Bordi’s experiences provided him with a dynamic martial arts skill with power in his takedowns and hands.
Training out of Cortez Martial Arts and Felipe’s Boxing Club, Bordi excelled on the amateur MMA scene, and he ultimately decided to officially become a professional.
He made his pro debut on April 26, 2014. He was victorious via first round knockout at 2:10 into the round. He followed that victory with a submission win, boosting his professional record to 2-0.
This is where Bordi came to an interesting path in his career. He had two bouts cancelled just days the fight, and when the UFC came calling, the top promotion in the United States and worldwide, Bordi had to decline. The UFC fights set for him were against fighters who had more experience, and he knew by taking these fights it would come at a cost. Based on these situations, Bordi decided to retire from MMA after just five fights.
It was a short but successful career for Bordi, and that’s where the world of teaching came into play.
Bordi, who coaches football and wrestling at Manteca High, admits the transfer from fighter to teacher is not normal. But just like you have to do when you are fighting, you have to adapt and overcome.
Bordi is using his skills from his past career to help kids today get stronger, learn about their bodies, and learn what is healthy for them and what is not. In a short time at Manteca High, Bordi has impacted and influenced many students to strive for more. Much like he did during his MMA career.
The Tower sat down with the former professional MMA fighter to discuss his transition from fighter to teacher.
Vince Bordi has returned to his alma mater to teach P.E. and coach football and wrestling. As a senior at Manteca High, Bordi finished second at the CIF State Meet in the 215-pound weight class. (Gage Pfeifer/The Tower)
The Tower: How old were you when you started combat sports?
Vince Bordi: When I was 8 years old, I actually started karate. It wasn’t till high school when I started wrestling.
TT: What about the combat sports world drew you in?
VB: I wanted to still compete after wrestling in college and it was the next step, something that translated pretty well.
TT: Did you ever see yourself progressing your career to championship levels in top promotions?
VB: I was more just taking it match by match, trying to do the best I could at what level I was at.
TT: What led you to officially retire from professional MMA?
VB: I felt like I was waiting around too much to get fights, It wasn’t more about how you fought it was about who you knew.
TT: Did you ever get the feeling to come out of retirement, even if just for one last time?
VB: Yeah, for fun, I workout over the summer at Oakdale MMA, and I always beat up their guys who are “fighting,” They always ask me but I just tell them I’m busy.
TT: How was the transition from MMA fighter to teacher?
VB: Well, I mean it’s not really the best transition, but coming from being a high-level athlete allows me to have really good conversations with students about working out, health, and the importance of physical education in their lives.