HOUSTON, TX, July 13, 2012 – We’re hours away from LEGACY 12 here in the Bayou City with the show set to begin at 7:30PM tonight at Houston’s Arena Theater.
To wind down our pre-fight coverage of this event, we present this interview with debuting pro fighter Charlie Ontiveros of the Hard Head Hitters fight team out of Cleveland, TX.
A champion at the amateur level, Charlie went 3-0 while fighting for the Legacy Amateur Series. He last competed this past April, winning in spectacular fashion at Legacy Amateur Series 8 with a guillotine choke submission over Levi West – who also happens to be debuting on tonight’s card.
He’ll be .looking to carry that momentum over to the pro ranks with a win over Mark Garcia this evening.
We recently spoke to “The American Bad Boy” prior to the bout.
LEGACY 12 Interview – Charlie Ontiveros (Hard Head Hitters)
Charlie, thanks for taking the time to talk to us. How are you feeling heading into tonight?
Thanks for giving me the interview and I feel great, never better.
How do you feel making the leap to go pro?
Its been an awesome journey to get to where I am now. I’m looking forward to the long road ahead. I’ve trained with a lot of good fighters and met plenty of good people. My most memorable moment so far, no doubt is when I won the Legacy Amateur belt. I want more moments like those.
How’s it been fighting for Mick and Legacy all this time?
Man, Mick is the coolest, and I’ve loved fighting for Legacy as an amateur. I’m sure fighting for them as a pro will be even better.
I know you’ve got a heavy karate background. How would you describe your fighting style to the average fan.
I would describe my fighting style as crazy and free-style, yet controlled and technical, oh and fast so don’t blink.
Who’s helped you get ready for your pro debut?
This camp I’ve trained at home with the Hard Head Hitters, One Fight Club, and spent a day at 4oz Fight Club. Mondo Deleon from One Fight Club has also added a few combos to my arsenal.
What’s your motivation heading into this fight with Mark?
I’ve been told that I need a few more fights to get on TV, and winning my first pro fight would help show everyone that I want and deserve to be on TV.
Do you have any thoughts on your opponent Mark Garcia? How do you view him as a person and adversary?
I actually got to meet & talk with Mark at the Legacy/Hooters meet & greet. He seems like a pretty swell guy, but as an opponent I see him as a tough fighter. That’s about it.
How do you picture this fight going?
With my hand raised at the end….
What’s next for you after this?
I don’t know, I never look past my opponent. This is a question that needs to be asked again after the fight.
Do you have any last words or acknowledgements before Legacy 12?
I want to thank God for keeping me injury free during training. I want to thank Legacy for letting me fight for them. I want to thank my teams HHH & 1 Fight Club, my Mom and Dad. I’d be lost without them. My Sponsors and last but not least… all the MMA fans out there that keep this sport alive and letting me fulfill my dream.