Bravery in Action: MMA Fighter Defends Family Against Home Intruder

A skilled mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter took decisive action against an intruder who entered his sister’s home in Wilton Manors, Florida, leaving the suspect bruised and battered after the confrontation. The unexpected incident occurred early Saturday morning, alarming the family as the intruder claimed he wandered in by mistake after a night out drinking.

Henny Rojas, who was resting at his sister’s residence, was roused from sleep by his frantic teenage nephew, urging him to act quickly as a stranger lurked in the living room. Rojas wasted no time in assessing the situation.

“I’m prepared. It’s not my first time; I don’t feel pain. Nothing,” Rojas stated in an interview. “I don’t have guns; I wasn’t looking for a knife – just God and my hands, that’s it.”

Having been trained in MMA for approximately three years, Rojas confronted the unwelcome guest, identified as Austin Carasani, and employed his combat skills to neutralize the threat until law enforcement arrived.

Meanwhile, Rojas’ sister, Patrizia, and her husband were in Miami when they received an alarming phone call from their son, who was clearly distressed. “He was screaming, ‘Mom, call police, someone has broken into the house,’” Patrizia recounted.

Carasani, 31, appeared in court just hours after his encounter with Rojas, his face marked with distinct bruises and welts. He claimed to have been drinking at a nearby venue and insisted that he had mistakenly entered Rojas’ home while attempting to find a friend’s residence, which he referred to as “Paul’s house.”

Both Rojas and his family expressed confusion, stating they were unfamiliar with Carasani prior to the break-in.

The alleged intruder has been charged with home invasion and is currently being held at the Broward County Jail, with a bond set at $20,000.

Reflecting on the incident, Rojas shared his sense of duty in protecting those he loves. “Protect your family,” he advised. “There are a lot of crazy people who don’t believe in God, who are only looking for damage.”