Rewinding to this interview with Bam Bam Martial Art’s Justin Reiswerg, the returning fighter (then absent from MMA competition for two years time) spoke to us about his return fight against Rey Trujillo at this past January’s Legacy Fighting Championship.
Taking on one of the promotion’s former champions, Reiswerg fearlessly predicted that he would impose his game plan on the former champion and win by KO or submission. A bit of an unknown to most Houston MMA fans at the time, many predicted a steamrolling in that bout, with predictions going the other way in favor of Trujillo. After all, the former champ had been dominant in the past, finishing off opponents impressively as a fighter with one of the most exciting reputations in the city.
The ‘Rey Trujillo over Justin Reiswerg’ prediction made all the sense in the world.
Then Justin went out and did what he said he was going to do, winning by armbar submission in the third round to exclaim his return to MMA competition and proving everybody wrong in the process.
A man of his word.
It now stands as almost ironic that in his next bout, Reiswerg will be taking on Casey Hobson – another fighter that has not fought in Houston in some time. And also a fight being acclaimed by those that know him or have trained with him as yet another of Houston’s “best-kept secrets.
Never one to mince words, Justin Reiswerg is equally confident in this bout, predicting a finish while having pointed things to say in advance of his next bout as he looks to prove everyone wrong against at the Legacy Fighting Championships on April 9th.
Justin, the last time we spoke here for TXMMA.com was prior to your win over Rey Trujillo. Did that fight go as you expected?
The fight didn’t go anything as I had planned it, but that’s why it pays to be well rounded. With all the talk about my standup skills, I’m sure he expected my ground game to be less than par, and that’s why he took me down. I wanted to test my stand up because from what I have seen with him in the past he is one of the fiercest strikers at 155 in Houston. I believe I did well. Once he took me down though I felt like we were in more of my world than his. He wanted to G&P but it’s hard to do that when I’m throwing up sub after sub. One thing that did go as planned was the outcome. I knew I would be victorious, as did those that really knew what I was capable of.
What have you been up to since that bout?
The most exciting thing that has happened since Jan 29th was getting the call to fight on April 9th. I took such a long break that every opportunity to fight is a real treat for me. I ate a lot, drank a lil, and got right back to training. There is no place I would rather spend my days and nights than at the gym. I’m a student-athlete. If I’m not schooling; I’m fighting.
Your next bout is scheduled for April 9th at Legacy; Against an opponent I’ve heard a few people once again dubbing “The best-kept secret in Houston” in Casey “Hand Grenade” Hobson. What do you know about him?
I think he should have kept himself a secret, because now he is just gonna be another victim. I don’t know much about him but I know myself and I know he can’t match what I’m bringing now that the rust has been shaken off.
Comparing your record to his records, you guys have fought for the same # of years, but he has been the busier fighter, fighting guys like former TUF contestant and UFC fighter Cody McKenzie on his way to a 3-2 record. What do you think of him as an opponent?
I see he has won by all subs, he isn’t going to sub me: bottom line. I have seen some footage and I’m not blown away by anything he does. He can’t stand with me, but he also won’t submit me so I feel like he is going to be trying to figure out what he can do while he is in the cage. As far as him fighting Cody, that’s cool and all but it would be a lot more impressive if he had won.
What do you think of that type of hype people around here are putting on Hobson?
Hype is great, it gives you confidence. Once you step in the cage though you have to make your own confidence by performing. So everyone talking him up doesn’t do anything to me or for him.
Much like some said before your bout with Trujillo, how would you respond to people who think Casey is going to walk over you as well?
I would say to read the prefight stories, watch the footage, and think about the outcome of my last fight. Stack the odds against me, I like proving those people wrong and reassuring the people that do believe in me as to why they believe in me.
How are you going to beat Casey Hobson?
The million dollar question! I’m looking to show Houston more of my stand up, so I want to knock him out. Any way is legit as long as it’s a finish. One way of wining that is not acceptable is by decision, that’s not my style.
Provided you win this next bout, that’ll be 2-0 in the Legacy 155 class. What other names would you like to take on as you climb the rankings here in Houston?
I don’t like calling out names, I just like to fight man. Brett calls me and I agree. That’s how fights are made in my world.
Why should fans buy tickets to see you fight bro?
My track record says it all, over ten fights with no decisions. I come to finish and that’s entertaining.
Any last words?
I would like to thank Made to Win Fight Management Comp., Furia, Proformance, Dom Fight Gear, and My Fit Foods. Thanks to all my family, friends, and fans for the support and help. See y’all April 9th!
In-Depth Coverage of April 9th’s Legacy Fighting Championship
- A TXMMA.com Exclusive with Legacy Lightweight Champion Ray Blodget; Taking on Daniel Pineda on April 9th! – here
- Looking to “Whoop” Up on Someone – “Fighting Aggie” Bubba Bush set to take on Andrew Craig for the Legacy 185 Title! – here
- Stepping Back into the Cage with Alex Black; Ready to Do Battle Once More Against Tim Snyder at Legacy! – here
- The Next Big Thing? Time to Grow Up as Alex Morono Faces Jeff Rexroad at Legacy FC on April 9th! – here
- TLegacy FC Announced April 9th Bout Additions – “The Chosen One” Returns; Andrew Craig Arrives to Take On Bubba Bush – here
- Initial Legacy Card Announcement and Fight Opinions from Houston MMA Personalities – here
- Interview with Jeff Rexroad, Main Event Preview of ‘Blodget versus Pineda,’ and much more by TXMMA Writer Mike Calimbas in the 2nd issue of Legacy Magazine – here
- Much more to come here on TXMMA.com!