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Mexico’s dwarf wrestlers overcome mockery to become stars

Mexican dwarf fighter Microman jumps on his opponent during a fight at the Arena Mexico, in Mexico City on September 07, 2018. "Microstars" is a show that mixes sport, circus and collective catharsis in what Mexicans call "fights". / AFP / ALFREDO ESTRELLA

A dwarf fighter gestures during a fight at the Arena Mexico, in Mexico City on September 07, 2018. "Microstars" is a show that mixes sport, circus and collective catharsis in what Mexicans call "fights". / AFP / ALFREDO ESTRELLA

Dwarf fighter Microman poses after a training session at the Arena Mexico, in Mexico City on July 18, 2018. "Microstars" is a show that mixes sport, circus and collective catharsis in what Mexicans call "fights". / AFP / ALFREDO ESTRELLA

Dwarf fighters Microman (R), Gallito (C) and Chamuel (L) take part in a training session at the Arena Mexico, in Mexico City on July 18, 2018. "Microstars" is a show that mixes sport, circus and collective catharsis in what Mexicans call "fights". / AFP / ALFREDO ESTRELLA

Dwarf fighters Microman (front) and Chamuel take part in a training session at the Arena Mexico, in Mexico City on July 18, 2018. "Microstars" is a show that mixes sport, circus and collective catharsis in what Mexicans call "fights". / AFP / ALFREDO ESTRELLA

Dwarf fighter Gallito (Little Rooster) waves during a fight at the Arena Mexico, in Mexico City on September 07, 2018. "Microstars" is a show that mixes sport, circus and collective catharsis in what Mexicans call "fights". / AFP / ALFREDO ESTRELLA

Mexican dwarf fighter Microman waves during a fight at the Arena Mexico, in Mexico City on September 07, 2018. "Microstars" is a show that mixes sport, circus and collective catharsis in what Mexicans call "fights". / AFP / ALFREDO ESTRELLA

Dwarf fighter Microman (L) takes part in a training session at the Arena Mexico, in Mexico City on July 18, 2018. "Microstars" is a show that mixes sport, circus and collective catharsis in what Mexicans call "fights". / AFP / ALFREDO ESTRELLA

Mexican dwarf fighter Microman greets supporters during a fight at the Arena Mexico, in Mexico City on September 07, 2018. "Microstars" is a show that mixes sport, circus and collective catharsis in what Mexicans call "fights". / AFP / ALFREDO ESTRELLA

Mexican dwarf fighter Microman figths during a fight at the Arena Mexico, in Mexico City on September 07, 2018. "Microstars" is a show that mixes sport, circus and collective catharsis in what Mexicans call "fights". / AFP / ALFREDO ESTRELLA

Mexican dwarf fighter Microman (red) struggles with his opponent during a fight at the Arena Mexico, in Mexico City on September 07, 2018. "Microstars" is a show that mixes sport, circus and collective catharsis in what Mexicans call "fights". / AFP / ALFREDO ESTRELLA

Dwarf fighter Microman takes part in a training session at the Arena Mexico, in Mexico City on July 18, 2018. "Microstars" is a show that mixes sport, circus and collective catharsis in what Mexicans call "fights". / AFP / ALFREDO ESTRELLA

Updated 1 October 2018 21:22

October 1, 2018 21:19

He is just 90 centimeters (less than three feet) tall, but he packs muscles, power and swagger in a little frame: meet Microman, the smallest star in Mexican professional wrestling.

Mexico’s “lucha libre,” a wildly popular mix of sport and entertainment, long featured midgets and dwarves in a deeply demeaning role: they were “mascotas” — a word that can mean both “mascot” and “pet” — for full-size wrestlers.

(Photo courtesy: AFP)