HOUSTON, TX, May 7, 2013

The event will feature a title defense by the organization’s middleweight champion, 20 year old Trevin “The Problem” Giles out of Elite MMA. The undefeated (4-0) champion won the belt this past December with a convincing TKO victory over Silverback’s Eric Thompson who couldn’t answer the bell for the fifth round, giving Giles the win via TKO.

Defending that belt for the very first time, Trevin will be facing off against another undefeated fighter, Christian Sutton out of Gracie Barra – a fighter who won his last fight in just 24 seconds by submission when he guillotined Joe Whichard into submission at Cage Combat 13 this past March.

We recently caught up to the champion to discuss this fight, his opponent, and what his plans are for the near future.

Cage Combat 14 Interview -Trevin “The Problem” Giles

How does it feel to be defending your title at Cage Combat 14?

It feels great to be defending my title, but it always feels great preparing and going into a fight. Belt or not it’s a fight and I’m excited about it.

Tell us about your last fight against Eric Thompson. Did it go pretty much as you expected?

My fight with Thompson didn’t go exactly how i expected. I really thought that he would be more aggressive because the tape i watched on him and his fight club’s reputation. That being said I never expected him to quit but we did predict that i would break him and i guess that’s what happened.

What was it like to go five rounds for the first time? How did it feel to win that title?

It felt great having a five round fight even though i didn’t get the opportunity to experience the 5th round. And winning the title was great as well. I know I’m the best amateur middle weight fighter so it felt good to finally get what is rightfully mine.

Looking at your record, you’re 4-0 now. In your own words, how would you define your amateur career so far?

Due to the fact that I am 4-0 i would have to define my amateur career as successful. No matter how it happens the ultimate plan is to win and I haven’t failed to do so.

Have you given any thoughts to going pro?

I have giving a lot of thought to going pro. As a matter of fact this fight will more than likely be my last amateur fight.

Let’s talk about your upcoming fight. How do you feel about your matchup?

I feel great about this match up. Sutton looks like a pretty strong guy and if I am correct he is undefeated like me. So someone will leave that night with an ugly 1 on their record which makes this match up very exciting for me.

Did you watch his last fight? What do you think he brings to the table that you have to watch out for most?

I did watch his last fight and I saw that he ended it with a choke and I pretty sure that he believes that he will get it on me because he love throwing an arm over the head in the clinch. So I would say that the guillotine is his best weapon which isn’t saying much because everyone and their mamma can jump for a guillotine.

What are you looking to show in this fight?

For this fight I’m looking forward to showing how well rounded I am as well as how unforgiving my attack is.

Any predictions? How do you see this fight playing out?

I predict that I will knock this guy out. I seriously doubt that he will make it to the championship rounds.

If you had to give last words to your opponent before the fight, what would you tell him?

My last words to him would be “you are about to be in a hell of a fight.”

You have several other teammates fighting on this card also right? What other fights besides yours are you looking forward to most?

I’m really looking forward to seeing my boy Zach Henson has his first fight. I’m also looking forward to seeing my big homie Mike Eaglin go out and give someone hell. It’s going to be a great night for Elite MMA.

DALLAS, TX, April 11, 2013

A lifelong wrestler and a pro currently with a 6-1 record, the highly-regarded last fought back at Legacy FC 16 this past December, avenging the only loss of his career to Steven Peterson and a blemish on his record only put there by virtue of a freak injury that left his arm dangling at his side after their first fight last August.

“I saw that only loss as a minor setback,” he says about that first loss. Obviously it was an unfortunate situation but never bothered him mentally. And now he’s past it.

“I do not want to let any fighter or injury get in my way of reaching my goals in MMA, especially this fight (with Salas) because it is a title contention fight.

Taking on the undefeated Salas is pivotal – as in a de facto #1 contender match where, barring any unforeseen circumstances, the winner should be placed in a title fight versus Houston’s Angel Huerta – a fighter Hobar’s opponent has already beat.

No matter, that doesn’t bother the “Crowbar” (Hobar) either.

“I feel I improve every fight and I am so much of a different fighter now than I was 2 or 3 years ago. This sport has helped me mature as a person emotionally and spiritually. The discipline that is needed for this keeps me humble and honest with myself. I feel my striking has improved to a high level. In my first few amateur and pro fights I had little to no striking and relied heavily on my wrestling. Now I use my wrestling only when I need it and prefer to stand, just the opposite of when I started.”

“I like this match up. Salas is very good all-around fighter but I feel he doesn’t have one particular discipline he is extremely good at. I am the veteran wrestler and the bigger fighter with the longer reach too which I will be looking to use against him. I am looking to put Salas away quick. I want to finish this fight, on the ground or standing, I do not care. Then I want to fight for the bantamweight belt in Legacy. I hope to fight Angel Huerta for the belt after this. That’s the plan.”

“My teammate Geo Pacariu (who is also fighting at LFC 19 vs. the aforementioned S. Peterson) and I have been training a lot together. We did a little trade off this camp. I helped him with his wrestling and he helped me with my striking. If I can stand and strike with him I know I can do it with the best in MMA. I’ve also I have been working my cardio extensively with former Ohio state and North Carolina wrestler Keegan Mueller. I know Salas has never fought a full fifteen minutes before so I am definitely going to test his gas tank.”

“This is my life and my job, there is no ill-will or evil intentions, but I will not let anyone get in the way of me being successful.”

DALLAS, TX, April 11, 2013

Looking further down on the main card, one of the best fights to look forward to features DFW-based veteran Steven “Ocho” Peterson taking on another prospect in rising Romanian Geo Pacurariu (interviewed here).

Both these fighters have high hopes of moving up the ladder of contention in the crowded Legacy bantamweight division, and this fight on Friday night will be very telling on the immediate futures of both with respect to that goal.

We recently caught up with “Ocho” to get his thoughts on tomorrow night’s fight.

Legacy FC 19 Interview – Steven “Ocho” Peterson (Gracie Gym)

Ocho, tell our fans a little bit about your lifestyle and who you are heading into this fight at LFC 19.

Well I am a full-time fighter. I train my heart out 5-6 days a week 2-4 times a day. I strive to be the best and am constantly working to fix all and any holes in my game. I do the same in my personal life as well. I am far from perfect, but I always work on fixing my flaws and to be a better father to my son and a better husband to my wife.

I am extremely motivated heading into this fight. I was caught off guard by my opponent’s game plan in my last fight (versus Matt Hobar, LFC 16) but this time I am prepared for anything.

Tell us more about that. What have you changed since then and how will that translate in the cage?

I have done some new things with how I’ve been training for this one and I’ve gained some new resources and training partners. I’m not going to give all the details before the fight but I will give credit where credit is due. What I can say is that I’ve improved in all areas of my fight game. I’ve taken my training to another level and I don’t think I’m as closed-minded as I once was. I am looking to make a statement in this fight. Fight my fight, not my opponent’s. And most importantly, I want to get this win. 2013 will be my year. My goal is to step foot in the UFC cage and walk out with the win by the end of the year.

What do you think of your matchup with Geo Pacurariu specifically?

It’s definitely an interesting matchup stylistically. He is short and stalky where I am tall and longer yet I still like to get in there and bang. Will I find myself in a brawl or will I use my reach and stay on the outside? I don’t know the answer to that but I know he’ll be tough. We’ll just have to see how I choose to go about it once I get in there… Overall I think he has an impressive resume, but I will show him that I’m on another level. This is my fight to win or lose, and I will keep my composure and do what I need to do to walk out with a victory.

Any bold predictions as far as how this one ends?

Not sure, I envision many different outcomes in my mind. I see this fight being a fast-paced, exciting fight just like the rest of them have been. In all my scenarios I walk out with my hand raised. I predict I will finish it in the first or second round.

Any immediate plans follow the fight? Last words?

I’m going to try out for The Ultimate Fighter and hope to make it on the show and win the whole thing!

I want to thank my coaches; Arjan Carlos Moreno, Marcus Neuenschwander, Dave Masi and Cam Buchanan. I also want to thank my beautiful wife Amanda for being by my side through this amazing journey and my son Keison for waking me up early every morning so I have no choice but to get up and get to the gym. Shout out to all my sponsors; Last Round Nutrition, Crossfit 380, Chiropractic 360, Gracie Plano, Team 515, Athletic performance Texas, Vip Mouthguards, War Tribe Gear, Good Brand, Phat Paint, David Ray Law, North American Energy Management, Cheetah Muay Thai, AMTA, Nissan Lewisville, JustBreakIt.com and TXMMA.com. And thank you Mike Calimbas for the exposure and your incredible photography!

DALLAS, TX, April 9, 2013 – Heading into Legacy FC 19 this coming Friday at the Allen Event Center there are plenty of fighters that deserve recognition. Some, like Will Campuzano and Robert Drysdale, are already fairly well-known to most astute fight fans while others may not have been so visible as of yet but deserve some notice in the run-up to the event.

Today’s interviewee is one of them.

A Romanian national, George Pacurariu has one heck of a backstory before making it into the world of Texas Mixed Martial Arts.

Living in a Communist Bloc country and growing up in a time of upheaval for the region, “Geo” had an upbringing very different than most fighter we’ve spoken to – making it through the Romanian revolution and while growing up in the up in the village of Topleţ. As a rule, Romanian coluture emphasises physical training as part of their overall education so naturally he was drawn into sports. With a  penchant for soccer play he advanced to professional play but the time he was in high school and continued on until he was conscripted into the Armata Română (Romanian Army) at the age of 20. Discovering combative sports during his last two months in the army, Geo finally found his “true” calling. No less than six months after he started, Geo had become a national champion in Kempo and decided to abandon soccer in lieu of focusing on martial arts.

Fast forward to present day and he’s now at Octagon MMA continuing to pursue his dream of becoming a professional mixed martial artist. Taking his first US fight in 2011 and winning that fight by submission, Pacurariu is undefeated since his move to the U.S. and now stands with a 4-1 record heading into his biggest fight yet this Friday against Steven “Ocho” Peterson (8-3) at Legacy Fighting Championship 19.

Like we said in the beginning of this article, Pacurariu may not be a household name yet but given the backgrounds of both these men – this fight is definitely one to look forward to.

Legacy FC 19 Interview – George Pacurariu (Octagon MMA)

Geo, thanks for talking to us before your fight at LFC 19. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I started practicing martial arts 8 years ago in Romania. I started when I was in the Army; service was required at that time at minimum 18 years of age. After two years of training I became a National, European and World Champion several times at different combat styles. I fought for the Romanian National Kempo and San Shou team and traveling abroad. I fought all over Europe including: Russia, France, Azerbaijan, Portugal and also in Japan. I fought pro for the first time in June 2007 in Paris, France. I remember it well. There were some great fighters also on the card like Tarec  Saffiedine and others. I wanted to work on my ground game and wrestling and I knew I need to relocate to the States to get high level training and that’s how I ended up in Dallas. I did some research and wanted to come to a bigger gym with a lot of pros. I found Octagon MMA and it was a perfect fit for me. There are over twenty young hungry pros that I train with every day now and we make each other better.

What have you improved most since you got there to Octagon MMA? How ready do you feel for this fight on Friday?

For the last 2 years since I’ve arrived to USA I’ve focused more on my wrestling and BJJ skills than anything but I haven’t neglected my main weapon either, which is striking. I had a great camp for this fight. I am 100% ready. I consider all my coaches playing an important part in my preparation, and of course my teammates also help tremendously. I want to follow my game plan that we prepared for this fight. I will be looking to use all my skill and experience to dominate my opponent and come with a win.

Looking deeper into this fight with Steven, how do you think you match up specifically?

I was looking forward for this fight and I am happy to be fighting him. He is a tough well-rounded fighter; I believe I have some advantages in this fight and I will try to utilize them. I guarantee you that it will be an exciting one to watch. If I follow my game plan and fight my way everything should work out just fine.

What’s next for you after this? Any plans for the rest of the year?

First of all I want to win this fight and I will do everything for that. For the rest of this year, I want to have more fights and to accomplish my goal and dream of becoming an UFC fighter. I hope I’ll make it to The Ultimate Fighter show or continue to fight in Legacy FC. Legacy is a great organization that is known all across the country as one of the premiere orgs in the game so it’s good to fight for them.

Any last words for Steven Peterson before Friday?

I wish him good luck and thank him for accepting this fight.

Anything else I haven’t asked that you want to put out there or anyone else to thank, etc.?

I want to thank God for helping me to be where I am today and also my wonderful family and friends for their support. I want to thank my teammates at Octagon MMA. I want to thank my head Coach Sayif Saud who has brought me in and guided me. He took me in when I first came to this country and didn’t know anyone. My English wasn’t very good but everyone always made me feel at home. My Coaches and Team are my family away from Romania. I also want to thank Coach Bertolino for refining my wrestling game and Coach Octavio for working on my Jiu-Jitsu and my Romanian Coach Viorel Mihaila for boxing. Lastly thank you to KO Reps for everything they do with my sponsors, Core Power, ONNIT, Ammo To Go and Throwdown.

YREKA, CA, April 8, 2013 – “We both have something to prove,” says D.J. “Da Protege” Linderman ahead of his clash with Robert Drysdale at Legacy Fighting Championship 19. The two meet in the co-main event of the event scheduled or the Allen Event Center in Texas and LIVE on AXS TV this Friday Night.

With 17 fights worth of experience now behind him, Linderman will be the most experienced opponent yet for the much-ballyhooed top prospect and grappling world champion out of Las Vegas yet he’s not looking to be merely somebody else’s test. He’s looking to pass his own and push own career ahead too.

Headed into his last fight with a three-fight winning streak, D.J. had big plans to put on a big showing against Anthony “Rumble” Johnson before he succumbed to the first knockout loss of his career against the UFC veteran. It’s not a loss that sits well with him and he’s eager to get back in the win column to finally put it behind him unless and until they meet again.

“I want to prove that Anthony Johnson fight (WSOF 1, November 2012) was a fluke. Then I want to fight 4 more times this year and own a Legacy FC title.”

Beginning his MMA career at 261 lbs. and now fighting at the light heavyweight limit of 205 lbs. D.J. says that hard work has been his focus as of late, and it’s all leading up to this Friday night.

“I’m pretty laid back but there are days where I use want this fight to happen now. But I also know what I have to do and that is to be mentally ready when the time comes so that means being patient. I think this matchup is great, and Drysdale is great fight for me. I’ve been working a lot of ground defense with great guys like Adam Dobie from Cedar Creek MMA, wrestlers like Byle Keeney, and then doing more striking at 4OZ Fight Club in Houston. Training in the thick air in Smithville, TX has helped too.”

“Obviously this is a jits guy vs. a striker type of fight but at the end of the day this is an MMA match. I’m looking for the KO. Then I hope World Series gives me another big fight to redeem myself. Drysdale I’m coming for you!”

DALLAS, TX, April 8 2013 – It’s time for another professional MMA fight week out in the DFW Metroplex as the Legacy FC comes rolling into the Allen Event Center this Friday night for Legacy Fighting Championship 19, scheduled to air LIVE on AXS TV.

Marking the second North Texas trip for the Mick Maynard-led organization, LFC 19 features a strong fight card with a whole host of up-and-coming prospects and local veterans. The card is strongest up top with undefeated Robert Drysdale taking on seasoned vet DJ Linderman in the co-main event and Legacy Flyweight Champ Will Campuzano defending his title or the very first time against another undefeated opponent in Alan Nascimento.

We’ll preview the whole card later on this week here on TXMMA but we recently had a conversation with the champion, Will Campuzano and what we can say is that he’s taking this main event very seriously.

“I’m feeling very selfish right now,” he says about the fight. “I don’t think or worry about my opponents (including this one). These next few years are gonna be the pinnacle of my career. Right now I feel at my strongest. I’ve put the work in and I’m ready to show the world who Will Campuzano is.”

At only 26 years old, William has already been “there and back” as far as levels of MMA goes. He debuted in the WEC way back in 2009 and also fought twice in the UFC as recently as 2011. Unfortunately for him, he had to do it at 135 lbs. way before the UFC began featuring the flyweight division – a weight class he now considers home and where he fights strongest. That level of appropriateness means the world at the highest levels of MMA. And while Will has always been knowing nationally as an exciting fighter, he’s not content with just putting on a good showing, he wants to continue to be champion and them achieve the same thing at the highest levels. And that means defending his belt against any and all comers until he gets the call to chase one at the next level back in the UFC.

As far as his opponent for this Friday night in Allen, the Mohler MMA-trained Campuzano isn’t all that worried about the Brazilian.

Nicknamed “Puro Osso,” Allan Nascimento is only 21 years of age yet boasts 7 wins – all finishes. His record includes a slick kneebar  over Terry Acker at Legacy FC 12 that earned him submission of the night honors.

Will Campuzano does not care.

This is his belt. His home city. And his time to show the world what he can really do no matter who is across from him in that cage.

“I used to be hesitant but now I’m looking for a scrap,” he says. “This guy is too young and too green to recognize the terrible mistake he made by taking this fight. I’m better all-around and that will show by the second round if it gets there. Better Keep your hands up and chin down.”

It’s all about knockouts, staying active, and more tough fights for the flyweight champion.

Legacy Fighting Championship 19 – Main Card

125 – Will Campuzano 11-4 v. Allan Nascimento 7-0 (TITLE)
205 – Robert Drysdale 5-0 v. DJ Linderman 13-4
135 – Matt Hobar 6-1 v. Nelson Salas 4-0
145 – Chris Jones 8-1 v. Rey Trujillo 13-9
170 – Charles Byrd 5-3 v. Roy Spoon 7-5
135 – Steven Peterson 8-3 v. George Pacurariu 4-1
145 – Hunter Tucker 6-0 v. Kevin Aguilar 6-0

Legacy Fighting Championship 19 – Undercard

145 – David Armas vs Brad Mitchell
185 – Evan Thompson v. Angelus McFarlane
185 – Bull Lawal v. Jabari Shakur
170 – Melvin Jordan v. Bobby Moore
HVY – James Hall vs Vernon Lewis

HOUSTON, TX, April 4, 2013

As one of the featured attractions of the evening, Lara will be taking on another experienced amateur in Kolton Englund for the much-coveted Legacy 155 lbs. amateur belt. It’s a fight he has been looking forward to for some time – against an opponent that already has two belts to his name and is looking for a third. Certainly a challenge indeed but one the Saul Soliz-trained fighter is looking forward to.

We recently caught up with Luis Lara ahead of this Saturday night’s event at Houston’s Arena Theater:

Legacy Amateur Series 11 Interview – Luis Lara (Metro Fight Club)

Thanks for taking the time to speak to us Luis. How do you feel about this fight coming up on Saturday at Legacy Amateur Series 11?

I’ve been looking forward to this fight for quite some time now. The fact that it is another championship fight for me and that if I heard correctly it will be on TV does not put added pressure but has been my motivation to work that much harder. I’m competing because I’ve been an active person, I just happen to love MMA, and the people I work with at my gym make it at times intense, but very enjoyable and a great learning experience.

How have you improved since you first started? Where do you think you are now in your development?

I’m still learning. I’m the guy who trades a normal life for kicks and punches. I’m young and have a bright future ahead of me in whatever I choose to do making the most out of life.

What’s been the toughest thing about trying to make it in MMA so far for you?

So far my greatest challenge has been the beginning. It was tough coming into the gym 5-6 days a week, only to get beat up on, to have yourself pushed every day, come home exhausted, but eventually I got used to it, and now my body and mind are able to handle it, which allows me to get better every day.

Do you have any favorite moments so far?

I’ve had a bunch of memorable moments training and competition, but definitely winning my 1st fight was most memorable. To get your hand raised after all the hard work you’ve put in is a feeling like no other.

What was your last fight like and what have you been up to since then?

I fought a guy named Marcus St.-German. That went in my favor with a second round submission. Ever since that fight I’ve been trying to get back in the cage, but as you may or may not know, the last two opponents dropped out of the fight literally on the verge of making it to the weigh ins.

Moving on to Saturday night – how do you feel about this fight against Kolton Englund?

I know he’s got good striking, and I feel confident in this match up and hope the crowd enjoys two warriors going to war. Training has been tough. I’ve learned an incredible amount of stuff from everyone while getting my limits pushed. This fight can go any way really. All I can say is I’m more than ready to go past five rounds so if I have to I’ll take it to him for all the time I need.  As far as Kolton, I’ve met the guy in person before and he’s a cool dude. I don’t got anything bad to say to the guy except good luck, you’re going to need it.

Any last words before Saturday?

I like to thank Metro Fight Club, thank everybody that shows love and supports what I’m doing, my family and closest friends for being there for me. I’d like to thank Subway and meal replacements for making my dieting a little easier, and a hope everybody can make it to the show!

THE WOODLANDS, TX, April 2, 2013

Currently undefeated at 2-0 overall, Jake is part of a fight team at GB The Woodlands that went in impressive 13-2 overall last year. He contributed to that with his two wins that included an impressive submission victory over a more experienced opponent in Jose Ceja this past December at Cage Combat 12.

Ever since then he says he’s been working non-stop with Coach Alex Morono, driving an hour to come train every day – a sacrifice he says is just a small trade to become the type of fighter he ultimately wants to be.

He’ll look to showcase all that hard work this Saturday night when he takes on Metro MMA’s Eric Charalambous as part of the Legacy Amateur Series 11 card scheduled for Houston’s Arena Theater.

“I’ve never been more so sure of myself for a fight. In the last few months I’ve really found my own styles to work with, making myself a real mixed martial artist. My training has been amazing and I’ve been working on everything I can and I feel really good about all aspects of training. I feel really good about fighting him (Charalambous). Again he’s got experience but I like the challenge of proving my skill level. This is all prep for me and I am just waiting to go pro and show my skill level in the UFC one day.”

HOUSTON, TX, April 1, 2013

The card features two title fights up top but also features a whole host of up-and-comers with their own title aspirations.

One of them in particular is a 21 year old flyweight by the name of Christopher Rivera. Training out of American Combative Systems (ACS) in Webster, Chris has moved ahead to a 2-0 record (both finishes) since debuting in the sport in mid-2012 but his coaches also feel he can do a lot more.

“He (Chris) is definitely to look out for. His wrestling and how he’s picked up everything in MMA is going to be very dangerous for his opponents as he continues to evolve,” says ACS coach/owner Drew Raticheck.

With a dad that’s been coaching wrestling for 20-plus years, Chris was practically born into the sport. He was ranked #2 in the state as a high school junior and transitioned into MMA post scholastic life. Aside from training he’s also running like a collegiate cross country athlete as well. Add that to everything he’s doing in the gym and what you get is someone who by all accounts should be labeled a “blue chip prospect.”

“I feel like I’ve progressed more and more as I continue to train,” his says about where he’s at in his training. And he’s having fun as he continued to evolve as well.

“My last fight was truly one to be remember… I was fighting Dat Nguyen, a very skilled stand up fighter. It was a “Rocky” kind of fight. I enjoyed every moment of it. I just felt like working my hands that night, so that’s exactly what I did. I enjoy MMA for what it is in its simplest terms… a fight! We struggle and fight for what is right almost every day of our lives. Physically fighting in a cage only serves to me as a sort of expression of such struggles. The two wins I’ve gotten in MMA have to serve as the most memorable moments I’ve ever experienced in competition. It’s defiantly a trip!”

Next up for Rivera this Saturday is Hard Head Hitter Mike Deleon, himself undefeated at 1-0.

“I feel great about the match up,” he says about his opponent. “I’m training smart and training hard so this should be fun! You know I never give away the ending but we’ll see on Saturday night! Then after this it’s belt or bust! This fight is also a dedication to one of my best friends who happened to pass a few months back due to a fatal car crash. This one is for him, and everything he fought for, as well as believed in. Bringing home a win for him is something I plan on doing. See you at the event!”

GALVESTON, TX, March 28, 2013

Still undefeated at 4-0 and with a future many pundits in the industry would label as very bright, Hardy doesn’t intend for this first defense to be nothing more than a speed bump for him on his way to bigger and better things.

We recently caught up with the champ to discuss his mindset leading up to his first defense.

SCC 3 Pre-Fight Interview – Jeremy “Nightmare” Hardy

Jeremy, first of all tell us a little bit about how you became SCC champion. What was your championship fight like in there?

I fought Tim Buchanan out of Zion MMA for the belt. I was told he was supposed to be a huge challenge for me seeing as I’m kind of the new kid on the block and he had way more experience than I do. The fight didn’t go as planned per say because we ended up on the ground but I was able to pull off the armbar and secure the victory and the heavyweight title. So I was pretty happy. Since that fight, i have been dedicated more to my overall training and skillsets and dieting and losing weight, hopefully to change weight classes in the near future.

So you’re a title holder now and 4-0. How else would you describe yourself to the average fan?

I feel like i am a very humble person. I’m just a normal guy trying to live out his dreams. As a fighter, O want to be the best. I strive for perfection and to be one of the best martial artist ever to step foot in this sport. In the end, i want to be remembered for being an entertaining fighter and hopefully UFC champ.

What’s your mindset like in that regard?

My current mindset would have to be one of a man on a mission. When I started out in this sport O had my eyes set on making it to the big show (UFC) so therefore I will not stop until that mission is complete. I compete in this for the simple fact that it is a sport of love for me. It’s hard for me to picture myself doing anything other than this. This sport is a true passion close to my heart and i feel i have the potential to make it to the top.

What’s been your greatest challenge so far regarding “making it” in MMA?

My greatest challenge so far would have to be time management. Simply put, there aren’t enough hours in the day. I work throughout the day, teaching karate, and then in the evening is when i finally focus on my own training along with trying to make as much time for my kids as possible. It can be very taxing at times, but luckily i have a huge support system behind me so I’m able to get done what needs to get done.

Do you have a most memorable moment – in training or competition?

My most memorable moment I would have to say would be hugging my mom after I won my belt. She hates the fact that I do this type of sport and it doesn’t help that my daughter also loves it and she wants her to be a girly-girl so bad, but my daughter wants to be like daddy which is perfect in my eyes.  But that was the first fight that she had ever been to and it meant a lot to me and is something I definitely won’t be forgetting.

So now you’re set to defend your title for the first time. How do you feel about that?

My buddy Jacob Silva has a saying that “you aren’t truly a champion until you defend your belt” and that is a saying I repeat to myself every day. This defense means a lot. This will show that I’m the real deal. Not just another fighter who once held a belt. This will show that i truly am a champion.

What do you know about your opponent – Eric Lunsford?

guy is literally a ghost. No videos, photos, nothing. That or O need to work on my Google search skills. All I know and care to know is that he is coming to take what I have worked hard to earn and I’m not letting that happen. From the little I hear, he is supposed to be a standup guy and everybody knows that’s what I like to do so it should be a very entertaining fight. But if it so happens to go to the ground, I’m ready to take it there also. Will be very fun and explosive fight in my opinion. So don’t blink.

Have you changed anything up in training for this fight in particular?

Training hasn’t changed much. I always focus on cardio and technique. I have implemented weight training and a diet into this camp – that’s something I didn’t really focus on before. As far as my training partners go, I don’t cross train very much just for the simple fact that I train with one of the baddest former champions in the Houston area in Master Eric Loveless. Plainly put, this dude breaks 4 bats at a time with his bare shins. If I can take a whooping from him, nobody else can hurt me.

How do you see this fight playing out? Any predictions?

I don’t like making predictions for my fights because as everybody knows, in MMA, anything can happen. But one thing i will say is that i didn’t work this hard to lose. So I for sure see my hand being raised in the end and that belt going back home with me.

If you had to give last words to your opponent before the fight, what would you tell him?

To my opponent, be ready for war.

What’s next for you after this fight? Any last words?

After this fight, I do have major plans. But i can’t let that news out just yet.

I would like to say thank you to my lord Jesus Christ for always watching over me through this career path that i chose, i would like to also thank my sponsors, bloodhound, serene touch massage, Furia Fightwear, Contender Sports Bar in Galveston, smoothie king in Dickinson, SCC, Stephen Lawhorn for giving me the opportunity to be the champ, my training partners, especially Jon love, we have a lot of battles in training, my friends, family, and coaches both past and present. Thank you TXMMA and Mike Calimbas for the interview. Everyone go buy tickets and pack the house to watch some amazing up and comers. Thanks.