'Barber of millions': meet the Peruvian who 'turned heads' of fighters at UFC Tampa

Daniel Marcos (left) with his friend from Baibao, Alfonso Fortún (right). Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Seeing Alfonso Fortún in the corridors of the hotel where the fighters of UFC Tampa, anyone can deduce who their favorite athlete on the card is: Daniel Marcos. Less for the Peruvian flag he was waving, much more for his hair. There were only two people in the Florida city with such a characteristic hair style: him and the fighter himself.

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Much more than a fan, the barber is part of the team Daniel Marcos and, most importantly, he is a long-time friend of “Soncora”. During the special coverage of SUPER LUTAS in the United States, the Peruvian drew attention to his haircut and captivated everyone with his story of respect and affection for his fellow athlete.

“I’ve been his friend for life! And I’m his barber too. I cut his hair. It’s actually a very special moment (being with him in the UFC). There’s no explanation for this feeling! I’m very happy for him and I want him to fly high, to be a champion!” said Alfonso in an interview with reporter Velber Viana. (see video below)

Reciprocity relationship

The feeling of respect and admiration is not limited to the fan friend. It is also in the fighter friend. After winning the bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg.) Adrian Yanez by split decision in UFC Tampa, Daniel Marcos spoke quickly to our team on-site visit. Upon learning that the topic of conversation would be Alfonso, Daniel's face, which had been showing signs of battle fatigue, immediately transformed to show great happiness.

Daniel Marcos getting a haircut from his friend before the fight. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

"I have been living in the United States for ten years. Eight years ago, when I had nothing, I discovered a gym that unfortunately closed its doors for me. He (Alfonso) opened the door for me. I remember when we met: I had a hundred dollars in my wallet. We went to work and they left him because he took me. We were lost and had moments of doubt,” he said. Daniel Marcos in an exclusive interview with Velber Viana. (see video below)

“He is a barber who is now working with me. My trainers who are here, my trainers from Peru, Enrique, Juan Pablo Santana… All the people who work with me are spectacular! That’s what God does! God sends great people and I am very proud of the people who are with me.” thanked Daniel. 

Moral with 'the fighters'

The literal translation of the term 'fighter' into Spanish is 'peleador'. What cannot be translated into any language is Latin American strength. A power capable of making a barber and a fighter win in the center of the world, the United States. And savoring their victories together, typical of the union seen most intensely below the equator. A friendly energy capable of quickly popularizing any South American people. And so, one man's barber became everyone's barber.

Including the Brazilian Felipe Lima, the only national athlete to win on the card UFC Tampa. On social media, Alfonso Fortún displays photos of his work on the fighters' 'hair'. They are like trophies won in the fight of life.

Alfonso Fortún (right) and Felipe Lima (left) in the week of UFC Tampa. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

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