Randell Kennedy is making his return to Texas to square off against Jason Fisher at XKO 8 on Saturday, October 9th. 
By Matt Little
-What gym are you currently training and fighting out of?
My home gym is North Dallas MMA (NDMMA) but while being stationed out here in Arkansas I have been training primarily with Westside MMA since the end of May. JD Shelley of NDMMA will be cornering me for this fight.
-How long have you been training and when did you begin your career in MMA?
I started boxing at the age of 16 with my dad. I trained BJJ while stationed in Hawaii and eventually Muay Thai once moving to Plano and hooking up with NDMMA. I went 2-2 as an amateur fighter over the last few years and currently 0-1 as a Pro in MMA.
-What got you interested in combat sports?
I remember watching UFC 1 through 8 with my dad on VHS. He got me started in boxing and shortly thereafter I took BJJ lessons and was hooked after that.
-Tell me about your occupation outside of fighting.
I joined the Marine Corps originally and was active duty. Once I was done I moved to Plano and started attending classes at Collin College. I recently joined back up as a Marine Corps reservist on active duty. I’ve been stationed in Arkansas for the better part of the year and been training to become a load master flying around on C130’s. I’m basically in charge of the cargo on the plane. Once I am done here I’m hoping to get some work back in Ft. Worth, Texas. I want to go back to school and figure out what I’m going to do professionally and focus even more on my training as an MMA fighter.
-Talk about what a typical week is like for you.
I have class everyday in the Marine Corps. As soon as I’m done with class I’m at Westside MMA training. I typically train 5-6 days per week so I’m usually in fight shape barring any sort of injury. I make the occasional trip back to Dallas for training at NDMMA and to see my friends/family when my schedule permits. 
-Tell me about your opponent, Jason Fisher, for this fight.
He fights out of The Chop Shop in Greenville, Texas and has a record of 2-4. I’ve seen some of his fights and it seems like he prefers to stand and strike. I think that his ground work is probably where he is has holes in his game. He lost recently to one of my training partners at Westside MMA and it was also a submission loss.
-How has your preparation been for this fight?
Good! I’ve had great training partners and lots of time to work in the cage for this fight. At Westside, legend catch wrestler Billy Robinson has been able to show me some good stuff. Also, TUF alumni Roli Delgado (owner of Westside MMA) has been a big help. I’m feeling really healthy and lucky to have no injuries coming into this fight. I’ve been focused specifically on this fight for the last 8-9 weeks since signing the contract.
-What do you feel are your biggest strengths as a fighter?
I feel like my wrestling and submission game are my strong points. I’m looking to set up my ground game, get the fight to the ground, and submit him. 
-What are your long term goals?
In terms of fighting…I’m just going to see how far I can go in the sport. Once I get back to Texas I will be able to focus more my training and look to get more fights. There are so many more promotions these days and I am looking to get on more cards. I also want to go back to school and figure out what I’m going to do outside of fighting. Real estate? I’d love to be my own boss for once.
-Is there anyone you would like to thank?
All the Westside guys, Roli Delgado, Matt Hamilton, JD Shelley (NDMMA), Kris Bickham, Bobby Pena, and all my training partners at NDMMA.
-Matt Little is currently a blue belt under JD Shelley at North Dallas Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (NDBJJ) and an MMA writer.