DJ Varela Loses 300 Pounds, Training In Hopes To Kick-Start MMA Career

DJ Varela

DJ Varela, who once weighed in excess of 500lbs, has plans to begin a professional mixed martial arts career, after training and preparation has seen him drop a whopping 300lbs. 

Varela, a former nightclub promoter featured on a recent episode of the web series, Brand New Me – documenting his weight-loss journey which saw him drop more than 300lbs after previously weighing in excess of 500lbs.

Utilizing mixed martial arts training in a bid to kick start his weight-loss journey, Varela, who took part in numerous sports activities during his years in high school, claimed that his weight gain spiralled out of control when he became a promoter of a nightclub at the age of 24.

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DJ Varela plans to continue training in a bid to kick off a potential professional mixed martial arts career

As a result, Varela explained how he had lived a lavish lifestyle, which included heavy alcohol consumption as well as constant snack eating – resulting in a weight gain in excess of 500lbs. 

Joining a gym and taking on help and guidance from a personal trainer, Varela admirably lost more than 300lbs in just over an 18 month period.


My workout routine has evolved throughout the years,” DJ Varela said. “In the beginning, it was mainly based off of strength training, now it’s more so based on technique and being more functional. … Being an MMA fighter has been a dream of mine since my weight loss journey.

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When I look in the mirror now, I see the person I always visualized,” DJ Varela explained. “I’m looking forward to the future as far as making sure my body, my mind and spirit can be where they need to be to compete as a mixed martial artist. I’m going to continue to evolve and become more and strengthen up my body. The first way out is in, so look inward to the answer that you need, once you find that answer, go from there.” (Transcribed by MMANews)