Beginning in MMA as an amateur way back in 2005, Mike fought eleven times before he even got paid in this sport. Turning pro in 2009, Mike would go on to continue his habit of fighting almost literally every other month to the tune of his current 4-4 professional record. Most recently, he took on Saul Elizondo at McAllen’s STFC16 event – a fight which he says was his toughest challenge yet.
Persevering through a relentless attack by the South Texan grappling specialist, Mike was able to pull out the KO to get the win just forty-six seconds into round two. Less than 30-days later and he’s back for more, this time replacing Randy Villareal on the XKO 12 against Frank Ortega.
“He is a very talented well rounded fighter,” Mike says about his opponent Frank Ortega– who we also interviewed just last weekend.
Read on and see what else he has to say about their upcoming fight on September 3rd in Arlington.
Mike, thanks for taking the interview before XKO 12. You’re taking this one on short notice, right? How’s life aside from this fight?
Life has been pretty good. I cannot complain. I woke up this morning so that is what really matters. I have a great family and wonderful friends. The fight is just icing on the cake.
What do you do when you’re not competing?
How do you find time to train and why do you do it?
Well if you really love something you will make time for it. And that is how I feel about the sport and training. I love this sport because of what it is – two men getting to showcase their talents with no one to blame but yourself if things go wrong. You are either born with this drive in you or your not. It’s that simple. I can’t explain it. I just love MMA.
Since you’ve entered the sport, what’s been your proudest accomplishment so far? What about your biggest challenge?
My best accomplishment was setting my mind toward turning pro and starting off undefeated. That is exactly what I accomplished after months of preparation. As far as my biggest challenge, I would have to say it was my most recent fight against Saul Elizondo in McAllen. (STFC16) I knew going in that he was a high level grappler and was on a war path…
What team/coach are you training under and what’s the atmosphere like where you train?
How would you describe your strong points as a fighter?
My greatest strength has always been my boxing, although I have not been able to show it in the past. I think every part of my game could use growth. I believe the day you stop growing and getting better is the day that the sport will leave you behind.
Your last fight with Saul Elizondo at STFC 16. -Take us through that fight.
It was an absolute test of heart and dedication. Saul brought the fight just as I thought he would. He came in and went right to where he was able to control it. I fought through it and lasted into the second round. As soon as I was able to find my range I was able to stalk him down and let my hands go. Finally I ended the fight with a nice little knock out.
Looking ahead to XKO 12, you’ll be fighting Frank Ortega. What do you know about him?
He’s coming off a string of losses and you’re coming off a win. Do you think that will playing into the fight at all?
That will not play into this fight one bit. What is in the past is just that… in the past. I have already forgotten about the win last weekend and reset all my focus on Frank and the challenges he brings to me.
How are you preparing for this fight on short notice?
Due to this be a short notice fight I am just maintaining the same regimen going into this. … and preparing for an all out war.
Without giving your entire gameplan away, how would you win this fight ideally?
I’d like to see it play out with us going toe-to-toe and giving the fans what they want to see. I would not be happy with anything other than that.
If you had to give last words to Frank before this fight, is there anything you would you like to tell him?
What’s next for you after this fight?
I have a few different things that are in the works but I am not even looking into them until after the fight on September 3rd. If I look past Frank for one second this guy will knock me out. …So ask me after the fight and I will be more than happy to tell you what is going on.
Any last words or words of thanks before XKO 12?
I would like to thank god first and foremost. Also to my wonderful family that has supported me through the good and bad times and are always gonna be there, thank you. Also to my wonderful girlfriend Brittany Carlock that has to put up with my bad attitude when I make this big cut for the fight… To all my friends and fans thank you for all your support and stay tuned for more. I really need to thank the people that help me out and sponsor me also. Fear Tapping Out, Better Health Sports, and of course my boy at Puros Chingasos Fight Wear, midnight activity sent. Last but not least, thanks to all my training partners and family at Metroflex Ft Worth. LET’S GET IT!!!! IT’S OUR TIME!!!
YOU can help us grow Texas MMA! Please make sure to LIKE TXMMA on Facebook when you get the chance and let us know if you have any feedback on how we can serve you better!
