Going for Broke with Roy Spoon; Ready for an XKO 10 War with Brandon Smith!

Set to Take on Brandon Smith at XKO 10, recent Octagon MMA transplant Roy Spoon is somewhat of an enigma as a fighter. Looking at his 5- 3 record, there is only constant – the guy does NOT like going to a decision. Thirteen total fights and only one going to the judges is one heck of a pedigree.

In retrospect, perhaps this do-or-die attitude has something to do with Roy’s tumultuous upbringing. Growing up with two brothers, Roy had it rough, getting into daily fights at home and also in the streets until a dangerous wakeup spurned the Dallas native to take up fighting in a more controlled environment.

Now with over twenty fights under his belt (some of which aren’t on the official record) behind him, Roy makes his return on April 9th in Arlington, TX at XKO 10 against a dangerous and undefeated opponent in 4-0 Brandon “Bam Bam” Smith .

Read on as Roy Spoon gives his perspective on his fight career thus far and what he has planned for the future.

Thanks for taking the time to talk to us Roy. How’s training going for your upcoming April 9th fight at XKO?

Training has been awesome… I’ve started training at Octagon MMA since my last fight against Chris Jones. Sayif, my coach, has helped me become better, stronger, and an overall more complete fighter.

You’ve been fighting since 2007, right? How did you get into MMA?

Yessir, I’ve fought my whole life having two brothers reassured I wouldn’t go a day without a beating lol… Truth is I’ve fought in school outta school and everywhere. When I was 18 I had a wakeup call, got into a fight it ended with a gun being pulled on me. He didn’t shoot but it was enough to let me know I wasn’t in school anymore. I haven’t been in a non-sanctioned fight since! I watched UFC and thought WOW the greatest sport ever. I get to hit somebody with no consequence but a ass whoopin. I’m not getting shot, stabbed, jumped, or thrown in jail. From that point on I was hooked.

Can you give our readers a quick rundown of your training background – Who do you train with and what’s it like for you, day-to-day schedule?

I started with the Dallas Jawbreakers 6 guys who just beat the brakes off each other every day. Being tough will get you far but not to the next level. We all fight professionally now and kinda went in different directions. I train at Octagon MMA by far one of the best gyms in Texas. When you have coaches like Sayif Saud and Bruno Bastos who could argue that. Top it off with visitors from Jackson’s MMA almost monthly, like Joe ”Daddy” Stevenson and Mike Van Arsdale. I’ve learned so much in the time I’ve been there it’s insane. For people who thought I was a beast before, I promise I’m only getting better.

Looking at your record, I see thirteen fights and one decision, from back in your amateur days. Do you just like to go for broke or what?

Most of my fights aren’t listed on there. I’ve got over 20 MMA fights with only one amateur fight going to decision. Yes, you could say I go for broke. One of us will leave a winner and it won’t be because the guy scoring the cards kinda likes me… LOL. Like they say, never leave it in the judges’ hands.

What’s been the best moment in your career so far? The worst?

Winning my first amateur title over a guy who had beat me in a prior title fight. My 2 boys Roy and Zayne wanted to see a championship belt so bad they were waiting on me at the door. It crushed me to see them so disappointed. I felt as if I let them down. So to win it over the guy who keeps me from seeing my mini me’s smile the first time was by far the greatest feeling I’ve had so far.

The worst, my lost to Chris Jones for the 155lb XKO title. I was ready for that fight in great shape coming off 3 dominating wins. When that bell rang I was ready, closed the distances got the takedown. Threw some punches Chris was able to create a lil’ scramble went from him having my back to me being in his guard. I felt him setting up the triangle and waited thinking id shrug it off. Boy was I wrong 2 min 30 secs of rd 1 I got submitted via triangle.

Now you’ve fought for XKO three times now, with XKO 10 being your fourth. What do you like about this organization?

Promoter, Thomas Bussey has really nice hair hahaha. Seriously though, XKO is a wonderful organization, very consistent, and I can’t say enough good things about them. They keep me busy and take care of me, what more could an upcoming fighter want. They do whatever they can to help promote you and not just their product. XKO is one of the few promotions who really care about their fighters. XKO and all of their fighters have grown together.

What do you about your XKO 10 opponent – Brandon Smith?

Much respect. Dude’s 4-0, all wins in the 1st rd. That tells me 2 things – he is a beast but he hasn’t been in a war yet. I promise I’m going to help him out in his career by doing just that for him. He has been in bad spots and overcame all of them. I’m very excited about fighting someone of his caliber. Coming off a loss, I wouldn’t want it any other way but to get right back in there with one of Dallas’ elite and showing everybody I still belong right there with them.

Are you doing anything special to prepare for him? Any predictions on the fight?

Cardio cardio cardio cardio cardio….. I feel I match up well with Brandon and conditioning will be factor. My only prediction is an absolute WARRR, anything less we will both leave disappointed.

What’s next for Roy Spoon after this?

Going back to 155lb to claim the XKO title. A win over Brandon Smith should have me right there in the mix to fight for it very soon.

Any last words Roy? What do you have to say to your fans and sponsors?

I just want to thank everybody who supported me throughout my career. Especially the fans, who make my fights more exciting and lively. I love the cheers and boos. I’d also like to thank my beautiful wife to be Randi, my kids, all my family, Sandy Curtis, friends, co-workers, etc…A special thanks to Octagon MMA for all the knowledge they have blessed me with. Clay, Quaint, Eli, Chris, Matt, Clayton, and all my sparring partners over at Octagon that beat the next level out of me. Thanks to my sponsors, DOM FIGHT GEAR, they’ve helped me and allot of others in the sport of MMA and BJJ. Last Round Nutrition and Troy over at City Blends for helping me through the years with weight cutting and building muscle to move up to 170lb. Justin Bowden, for all your support. Everybody should check out JustinBowdenFitness.com, Dallas’ best and most affordable personal training.