DALLAS, TX, July 09, 2011 – Today we continue our Shark Fights 17 Interview Series by speaking to Dallas native Brad Cox, a 2-0 Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu specialist who also happens to work a fireman and paramedic for Fire Station #8 in the Dallas area.
Next Saturday, this fighter will be taking on his biggest test yet in Russell Brewer, a fellow undefeated fighter at 2-0 with two first-round finishes in under two minutes.
Read on and get Brad’s thoughts on his fight camp leading up to this fight, his strong faith and belief in God, and everything else leading up to July 15th and Shark Fights 17 in Frisco.
Brad, thanks for taking the interview on your way to Shark Fights 17. How’s training camp been on the way to this fight?
I feel great. This has been an awesome camp. I’ve spent the last few months focusing on my grappling and I hooked back up with one of my original training partners and Muay Thai/MMA coaches, Joe Garcia. I’ve also gotten a new strength and conditioning coach, Marcus Washington. I’m bigger, stronger, and more explosive than I’ve ever been.
Tell our fans a little bit about your training background.
I started training about 7 years ago with Saekson Janjira. I started training BJJ about 4 years ago at Star Jiu Jitsu. After that I spent a couple of years with Marcus Hicks. I’ve trained a little over a year with Keiser Girao and just recently started getting work in at Mohlers MMA. I’ve been blessed and fortunate to have trained with such great instructors.
How would you describe your style in the cage?
Relentless. Overwhelming. I can play a technical striking game or I can grind you down. I’ll dictate where we fight whether it is on the feet or on the ground. I’m gonna keep coming and I want my opponent be very uncomfortable. Win or lose, you’re gonna feel me.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
What do I “like” to do? Train. I work 9 days a month and I typically train at least twice a day when I’m off; sometimes a third session but that will just be cardio or swimming. I also train and stimulate my spirit often. Church is not an option, its mandatory. God is in me and I talk to Him often. I pray all day long. Much like the body, the spirit needs to be constantly feed or it will grow hungry and weak. I want Jesus Christ involved in every aspect of my life, and I make sure that He is.
You’ll be taking on Russell Brewer at Shark Fights 17. What do you know about him?
Not much. I met him once. He seems like a very nice guy.
Russell Brewer has won both his professional bouts pretty convincingly. Are you doing anything special to prepare for him?
No. No one knows how hard and how often I really train. I kill myself every day. I don’t neglect any aspect of the game. I’ve won 4 of my 5 fights via KO or TKO in the first round. I’m prepared for anything. I’d like to “highlight reel” him, but maybe ill drag him into deep waters and see who can swim.
Do care to share your predictions as to how you expect this one to finish?
I’ll really start visualizing the week of the fight. God already knows the outcome. I just go out and perform. I plan on setting that place on fire though!
Let’s say you win the fight, what would be next for you afterwards?
Cheesecake Factory……or maybe some Greek food at Stratos. What?? That is what you meant right??
Any last words for Russell Brewer before Shark Fights 17 next Saturday?
No.
Anything else you’d like to share with our TXMMA readers before the fight?
For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.
Any last words for anyone at all?
I’d like to thank my brother Brian Cox, Joe Garcia, Keiser Girao, Rafael Casias, Allen Mohler, Marcus Washington, Peyvand Honogohar, JJ Holmes, Chase Green, and all of my training partners. My sponsors House of Pain, and Sayved. And I’d also like to thank all of my friends, family, and friends who are like family. Hillside where ya’ll at?!?!?!
EDITORS NOTE: Check out additional in-depth interviews with Shark Fights 17 fighters and many more conversations from MMA and grappling personalities from all around Texas in our INTERVIEWS section here on TXMMA.com.
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