BEDFORD, TX, August 11, 2012 – Legacy Fighting Championship 13 is now less than a week away with the event scheduled for the Dallas Convention Center next Friday night, August 17th.
One of the latest DFW prospects looking to use this highly-visible event as his own personal coming out party is a gentleman by the name of Casey Williams.
A veteran of the US Army and former wrestler at the scholastic and collegiate level, Casey now trains with UFC fighter Johnny Bedford, Rafael Casias, Evan Cutts, and more at the Fitness Fight Factory in preparation for his pro career that begins at Legacy 13.
He’ll be taking on XKO veteran Burt McDonald in his debut.
Read more about his background and thoughts on the fight below.
Interview – Casey “Shooter” Williams (Fitness Fight Factory)
First of all, it’s been awhile since Legacy came into being but this is their first time in Dallas. How does it feel to be fighting on this event?
I am very excited to be fighting for Legacy’s first Pro event in Dallas! I am honored to be on this card with so many great fighters and I love the fact that it is in my home town!
Casey, what did you do before you got into fighting? How did you get into MMA?
Before I started my MMA career, I was involved in High school and College Wrestling. I started training MMA in the US Army. I went undefeated as a boxer in the 25th ID and then was given the opportunity to represent my division at the first ever Top Army Fighter Tournament in 2005. I was lucky enough to train with some great people like Jason Mayhem Miller and Nico Vitale in Hawaii during my time in service. I took a few years off from training until I found my new home at Fitness Fight Factory in Colleyville, TX. Since then I have won multiple grappling tournaments and Amateur MMA fights. I was also able to fight on the same card as my older brother Jesse Williams once. He is no longer fighting so it was a very special moment for me.
What does life look like when you’re not at the gym?
When I am not in the gym training I spend as much time as I can with my beautiful wife Karah and amazing Son Ripkin. Ripkin is 5 now and has already started training Jiujitsu with our team. With the coaching staff we have at F3, he will be a stud on the mat in no time!
What’s one thing not a lot of people may know about you that’s interesting?
That’s a tough question because I am surrounded by people that are way more interesting than I am. I guess it would be that this fight will be at the lowest weight class I have ever fought in. I used to fight at heavyweight when I fought in the Army and will be weighing in at 145lbs in a week. I’m not sure if I will ever go any owner than this but I remember saying the same thing the first time I made welter weight. We will have to wait and see I guess. Has anyone every fought in every weight class?
What motivates you in the sport and everything else?
Motivation has never been a factor for me in the sport. Probably because I despise loosing so much. I am pretty sure I hate losing more than I like to win. This fight is very important for me unlike any other though. With this being my Pro debut, I have a lot to prove in the cage. I will also have a lot of friends and family in the crowd since this is in my home town.
Looking at Legacy 13, what can you tell us about your upcoming fight?
I will be fighting Burt McDonald at Legacy 13. This is an interesting fight for me because I consider Burt a good friend. I think that Burt and I will put on an amazing show for the fans on August 17th.
How’s this camp been for you?
This fight camp has been great! I did a 10 week camp and started training crossfit with Crossfit817 in Keller, TX for my strength and conditioning. I have never felt stronger, faster and more explosive in my life. I also have some of the best coaches in the sport with guys like Rafael Casias and UFC fighter Johnny Bedford. The training partners I have at Fitness Fight Factory are always pushing me to be the best.
How do you see this fight playing out in your mind? Any predictions for the fans?
I have never had a fight go to decision and I don’t see that changing on the 17th. I go into every fight with one objective and that is to finish my opponent. I am prepared to do that where ever the fight goes.
If you had to give last words to Burt before the fight, what would you tell him?
Any last words or acknowledgements?
I want to thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to continue to do what I love. Thank you to my wife Karah for always being so supportive of me in following my dream and dealing with the stink that I bring home from the gym every day! I would also like to thank all of my sponsors, Crusade MMA, DOM Gear, Sayved Christian Apparel and Crossfil817 in Keller, TX. WreckOne Fight management and everyone at Fitness Fight Factory in Colleyville, TX!!
Anything else you want to put out there?
This is a fight card that you won’t want to miss so be sure you get to the Dallas Convention Center on August 17th for Legacy FC 13!!!!