Through the Cage Door: My Journey from Paralysis to the UFC

Despite losing his father to prison when he was just 12 years old and spending his teen years dealing drugs and getting kicked out of school, Cole Escovedo became the WEC’s inaugural featherweight champion. But right in the middle of his stellar career Cole was paralyzed from a horrible and mysterious infection that came within hours of killing him.


They said he’d probably never walk again. They almost laughed at him when he asked about fighting because it was absolutely out of the question. And yet after years of struggle Cole decided to try a comeback despite serious risk of permanent paralysis. His final goal of fighting in the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) was within reach, but it would take a miracle, or at least overwhelming persistence, to make it a reality.