HOUSTON, TX, October 14, 2011 – The sixth iteration of the Legacy Amateur Series is only one week away from taking place at the Verizon Wireless Theater in Downtown Houston.
As we mentioned in our recent article on the event, one of the main events to look forward to that evening is a bantamweight title clash between Legacy 135 Amateur champion Manny “el Animal” Lozoya and young challenger Ramiro Cortina.
To the champion, this fight should be familiar territory in that he will be fighting in his third title match in a row. Above and beyond that, he’s fighting his third opponent in a row from Team Silverback as well.
For his 20-year-old challenger, this fight will be comparably uncharted territory considering it’s only his second MMA fight but a challenge he’s eager to take on after an impressive performance at Legacy Amateur Series 1 this past February.
We recently caught up with the challenger briefly to get his thoughts on the upcoming matchup next Saturday night.
10 Questions with Legacy Amateur 135 Challenger Ramiro Cortina
1 Ramiro, how did you get involved with the sport of MMA?
Well I tried every sport in school and didn’t really like any of them. I guess it just wasn’t my thing but I was always a big fan of the UFC. As soon as these shows started getting on tv I never missed a fight. It’s like I immediately got hooked on it. So one day, I asked my parents to look for a gym for me. They did and my dad ended up enrolling me in RSKA when I was about fourteen years old. I started out with the Muay Thai class and immediately fell in love with it. That’s how it all started. I’ve been training at RSKA with Jason D. Frank for almost five years and at Silverback with Coach Tony (Orozco) for about 5 months now.
2 What’s it like training whose guys?
It’s a blessing training with Jason at RSKA and Coach Tony at Silverback. In my eyes, they are the best instructors a fighter can ask for. The thing I gain the most from being at those gyms are self-discipline and respect.
3 How would you describe yourself as a fighter? What type of style can we expect from you?
I’m just a young and humble fighter. I’m full of respect for my opponent. As far as styles, I’d just say I’m well-rounded.
4 What do you when you’re not training? What’s life like for you?
Right now I’m taking a break from college but I’m always working out. I love lifting weights and staying in shape.
5 You’ve fought at Legacy Amateur #1 in February. What did you gain from that experience?
I think I came out of it with more self-confidence and a lot of respect for my opponent.
6 How does it feel fighting for a title this early on in your career? Are you nervous at all?
It’s a dream come true to be fighting for a title at this point of my life. Nervous? No, not at all. Actually, I feel great! I’m actually really excited to be fighting for this belt!
7 Describe Manny Lozoya to us based on what you know about him.
He’s a great, though fighter. He’s a veteran in the cage and he knows what he’s doing. I know that much.
8 How are you getting ready for this fight? What’s your mindset going in?
I’m training 6 times a week. And anywhere the fight goes, I believe I’m ready for it. In my mind I picture this fight being an awesome, exciting fight.
9 How do you plan on celebrating afterwards if you win?
Oh, nothing too big. I’m just going to spend time with the family, stuff my face with delicious foods, and get lots of sleep. <laughs>
10 Any last words before your fight? To your opponent or anybody else?
I just want to thank everybody up at Silverback and RSKA that’s helping me out for this fight. This is going to be an awesome fight between two exciting fighters. Manny let’s put a good show for the people bro!
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