XKO 10 is right around the corner and will be happening April 9th, 2011 at The Gym in Arlington, TX. The XKO promotion has been consistently putting on shows and looks to impress with its 10th card. I caught up with Brandon “The Wolf” Smith (5-0) to discuss his upcoming fight with Roy Spoon (5-3) at 170lbs. We last spoke with Brandon in June 2010 before his fight with Clay Hantz (5-3).
It’s been a while since we last talked. Last we saw you fighting under the SWC banner and winning a fast-paced fight against Clay Hantz with a KO. What’s been going on since last summer?
-Well, I’ve been really busy training and teaching at Star Jiu-Jitsu. I received my purple belt from Yousef about three months ago. I’ve been teaching MMA as well. My training has been very focused on wrestling and BJJ, lots of take-down defense work since last year. Brad Scott is my boxing coach at the gym and he’s helped me with my hands. I’ve had a few injuries to deal with between shoulder, neck issues and a torn calf muscle.
I really felt that your win over Clay Hantz gave you some momentum in the local fight scene. Give me your thoughts on that fight.
-I wasn’t really happy with that fight. I didn’t like the way the fight went leading up to the knockout. I felt like I had some holes that needed to be fixed up in my game and I’ve worked on them. Yeah, I got the win but there was some controversy over the stoppage and I didn’t like that.
How do you feel about a possible Clay Hantz/Brad Cox fight at 170lbs?
-I’ve worked with Brad a lot and he is a grinder. I think Brad had a good fight with Edwynn Jones taking a really tough guy on short notice. I don’t think Jones gets a lot of respect because of his record but the guy doesn’t roll over for anyone. Clay has really good cardio and keeps up a high pace in his fights. I do feel that Clay tends to hesitate a bit when he’s being pursued and put on the defense. If they fight I think it would be a good one. I think Brad wins it via TKO stoppage.
Now that said, such a fight could create some opportunities for you to fight either guy. What are your thoughts on that?
-I have no interest in fighting Brad. MMA is something that I do because I enjoy it. I can’t see taking that fight unless there was stupid money involved.
Okay, let’s move on to your upcoming fight. What are your thoughts on your opponent Roy Spoon (5-3)?
-Roy is a stand-up guy. I’ve met him a few times and we periodically text to make sure each other are injury-free and still looking good to make this fight happen. He’s a cool guy, big for 170lbs, skilled, has lots of fights amateur and pro, he’s not afraid to get hit.
Roy was recently interviewed by TXMMA’s Mike Calimbas and is predicting a tough fight with you. How do you see the fight going?
-Yeah I just read it. I am going to have to use my takedown defense and in the process he will eat some leather. If the fight hits the ground he will have to be really technical because I feel pretty comfortable there.
As a pro, four out of five fights have all been won in the 1st round. Do you feel ready to go three full rounds for the first time?
-I always train five, five minute rounds in case the fight goes long. We use the “shark tank” method. Each round consists of sparring in a specific area such as hands or grappling only. Each round I get a fresh guy and the final round is a full round of MMA.
With a win over a tough guy like Roy Spoon, where does that put you in the mix at 170lbs?
-I’m not a cocky guy and I take these things as they come. I’m not trying to make a living doing this; I do it because I enjoy it. I will talk to my coaches and look for guidance. Their approval is all the confidence I need.
Okay, oddball question….where did the billed nickname of “Bam-Bam” come from?
(Laughing) A buddy of mine at work, ET, posted a video on YouTube from my 1st fights and gave me the nickname. I’m still “The Wolf” though!
We really appreciate you taking the time out of your day to talk to us. Is there anyone you would like to thank?
-Coach Yousef, Jason House, Dr. Chris, Brad Scott, Coach Mohsen, all of the Star Jiu-Jitsu fight crew, and my family for letting me do this: Christy, my son Kaden, and daughter Hailey. I also want to thank my sponsors BTX, MMA Fanfare, Frisco Combat Club, and Stay Young Fitness in Frisco, TX.
-Matt Little is currently a blue belt under JD Shelley at North Dallas Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (NDBJJ) and an MMA writer.