FORT WORTH, TX, July 12, 2011 -Send out the smoke signals because Alex Russ is on the “Warpath” once again. This time the undefeated Fort Worth will be fighting for his first professional title at Xtreme Knockout (XKO) 11 as he takes on defending champion Steven “Ocho” Peterson.
Find on the same card as Peterson at XKO 10, “Warpath” was able to secure a fight-ending guillotine against veteran Frank Ortega to secure the submission victory. Later on in the evening, Peterson would go on to win the XKO bantamweight title against a tough Douglas Frey.
Peterson vs. Russ will now headline XKO 11 as the main event of the promotion’s first live taping for their Xtreme Knockout Show airing on Dallas-Fort Worth CBS-affiliate TXA-21.
Alex, thanks for taking the interview with us as always. What have you been up to since your XKO 10 win over Frank Ortega?
Thanks for having me. I’ve been training, working, spending time with my family, and going to church mostly. That’s how I stay balanced in this life.
You were supposed to fight for your first title up at Ring of Combat in New Jersey this summer right? What happened with that fight?
I was unfortunately forced to drop out of the Ring of Combat card. We’re fighting to get ready for a fight. Things happen. We’re already in talks of revisiting that opportunity.
How are you feeling now heading up to XKO 11?
You’ll be fighting for the XKO bantamweight title in this XKO fight against Steve Peterson. You’ve fought against the same card as him a few times. What are your thoughts on the champion?
Peterson is a tough guy. That’s all I have to say about Peterson.
Does it make it any extra special for you that the fight will be contested close to your hometown, and will eventually be on TV no less?
It makes it more comfortable that I am able to sleep in my own bed before the fight. I don’t put much thought into everything else though. I’m gearing for a war, and when that referee says, “fight” none of that matters. It all seems to fade away. We could be fighting in the middle of the desert with only the wind to watch us for all I care.
How do you think you and Steve Peterson match up in terms of strengths and weaknesses?
I feel as if he will have more to be surprised about than I will, which plays to my strength and his weakness.
He really likes winning his matches via submission. Is that something you’re especially concerned with?
I’m aware of it, but concerned isn’t the word I would use to describe my feelings on the issue. I’m working hard, and I prefer winning my matches via stoppage, and/or any honorable means necessary.
Who is helping you prepare for this bout?
I’ve got to say everyone at the gym is rallying for this match up. I’m getting help from everywhere. Of course I’m getting lots of training from my head trainer Brandon Crick, along with help from Casey Erwin, and Brian Beard. Douglas Frey is a big help as usual, and I’ve had my good friend and Bellator fighter Bryan Goldsby come in and work with me as well.
Do you care to share your predictions as to how you expect this fight to finish?
What’s next for you in 2011?
Right now there is no 2011 for me beyond July 23rd. That is where my mind will remain until, God willing, my hand has been raised by the referee.
Anything else you’d like to share before the fight?
I would like to thank my opponent, Steve Peterson, for taking this match up. I’d like to thank all of my fans for the support. I’d like to say to everyone in the DFW area, do not miss this fight. I’d also like to thank my sponsors Dom Fight Gear, Execution Fight Gear, and Team Elohim Ministries. I’d like to thank my wife, Shante Russ, for being amazing as usual. I’d like to thank everyone in The Gym, my trainers, and all of my training partners and teammates for rallying behind me for this fight and every other, and I’d also like to thank you, Mike Calimbas, for the interview.
All glory and honor to God.
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