Local Fighter Sets Sights on Pro Career

When Tony Dabbondanza was a kid, he was the first one to get into fights at the bus stop. 

But now the 18-year-old has found a place to focus his agressive energy as he pursues a career as a professional mixed martial arts fighter. 

The Crofton resident spends nearly every night working out at the BBJ Conquest gym in Millersville, where he's learning to perfect his boxing, jiu jitsu and wrestling skills. 

He is 5-0 as an amateur, and a few more wins might mean a shot at the professional level. His next fight is July 20 at the Dulles Sportsplex, where he hopes to defend his 145-pound Operation Octagon title. 

"I was always an agressive kid," he said. "I used to get into street fights after school. It was something that came naturally to me."

His trainers, however, say he's learned to channel his fighting ability into something positive at the gym.

"Since he began training with us at age 16, he has matured both as a fighter and as a person," BBJ Conquest owner Kail Bosque said. "He has become a part time employee at the gym, and continues to make as proud ... he is like a son to us."

Dabbondanza stands over six feet tall and compares himself to the lanky Jon Jones, the current UFC light heavyweight champion. He also admires George St. Pierre, the dominant UFC welterweight champion.

Dabbondanza said his strength is at a stand-up fighter, though he is working to improve his wrestling and kickboxing skills. He has sustained his share of injuries, including a broken nose. But he says he enjoys the strategy and mental aspect of fighting. 

"It's just you and your opponent out there," he said. "It's like a physical chess match, trying to figure out how you're going to beat your opponent."