HOUSTON, TX, November 3, 2011 – It’s almost time for Garcia Promotion’s Cage Combat 6 and we couldn’t be more excited about what’s shaping up to be a great night of action. Throughout this past week we’ve spoken to several of the athletes participating on this card including Rob Wood, Ashley Meza, and Paulina Granados. We conclude our pre-event interview coverage by speaking to San Antonio native and Houston transplant Chris Lopez. At 25 years of age, Chris is a fighter that’s fully committed to making a life for himself within the sport of MMA after a promising start winning on the Golden Gloves boxing circuit in his younger days. Now training with several other top prospects at Team Tooke alongside coaches Andrew Craig, Jace Pitre, and Travis Tooke himself while also finding the time to cross-train elsewhere, Chris is hoping to use tomorrow night’s bout against Alex Melendez as a barometer to gauge his progress in the sport. Read on and learn more about Chris Lopez prior to his co-main event fighter tomorrow night at the Humble Civic Center.
Chris, before we talk about tomorrow night, tell us man – who are you besides an MMA fighter?
What about when you’re not spending time training or with the fam? What do you like to do in your spare time?
Man I have tons of hobbies. I love the outdoors, hiking, fishing, going to the beach (or lake), video games, concerts, watching movies, hanging with friends, you name it. I also don’t mind drinking beer (when I can),and eating. It’s sounds dumb but I am always on a strict diet during my camps so whenever I don’t have a fight I love to eat all the bad shit <laughs> True story!
When did you get involved with combat sports and why do you love it?
I started boxing in June of 2007 after a troublesome spell in my life. Turning 21 wasn’t necessarily good for me at the time and I had some run-ins with the law. I started boxing to find a hobby that could keep me out the clubs and get some good exercise also. I guess getting punched in the face was a way out for me. I ended winning the Golden gloves a couple years in a row… Eventually I turned to MMA. The thing I love most about the game is being able to test myself every day. I get to do what many think they can’t do and it sucks sometimes because all this SHIT is hard. I love pushing through all the workouts and battles though. It has shown me who I am inside and I want to keep testing myself. All the way to the top.
So now you’re a full-time fighter. How would you describe the “MMA Lifestyle” if somebody outside of the industry asked you what it was like?
Yes sir. Fortunately I have a great support system around me that lets me train full-time. I love the lifestyle. I get up every morning to go to work (sometimes earlier that peeps with jobs) except unlike some people…I get to do what I love on the daily. Not too many people can say that. As far as the lifestyle…it is what you make of it. You can go out and party and train and not get anywhere or you can live for the sport. It’s easy to get caught up doing whatever you want because in the game you don’t have anyone to be on your ass to get to the gym. Everything is on you. I eat, train, and sleep. I don’t party or go out when I have a fight because this is a career for me and not a hobby.
Speaking of staying disciplined, what’s it like training at Team Tooke? Who else have you had the opportunity to train with here in town and elsewhere?
Training at Team Tooke is unreal…Travis Tooke is the man! If you think you got a sick ass BJJ/MMA coach come by and get it in. People don’t realize that he is a World Class BJJ competitor/instructor. I know that I train with the best on the daily being Andrew Craig and all my teammates. It’s not every day everyone gets to train with guys that are about to be in the UFC. I would say I learn the most on my game from Andrew and Jose llanas…they have always taken time to help me and I have never forgotten that.
Besides that, I’ve also been making the drive to Paradigm to train with them boys. Guys like Mike (Bronzoulis), Brian (Melancon), Lee King, and all the other studs out there. I’ve also been training with some of those killers at 4OZ prior to this fight. All in all, I have learned something from every one of those guys. And I continue to work. For this camp…I went out to Denver to train at Grudge Training Center as well. Thanks to my boy L.T. Nelson for putting me on. Basically I’m just trying to get better…so I will always put myself in the best position possible to be successful.
How would you describe yourself as a fighter now versus what you want to be in the future?
I think people don’t realize I am still at the beginning of my career and I ain’t nowhere near my potential. I think I’m still in the learning phases of my career and I feel that instruction is what I need at all times. Some fighters think they can just do it half way and be successful… I don’t think that’s possible. You can’t do that. I am learning by the day and only getting better. Right now…that’s my focus. I ain’t trying to be cocky but I strongly believe in myself and I’m hard-headed so for me to tell you I don’t see myself being in the big time down the road…I would be lying. I’ll leave everything in God’s hands but I plan on fighting on TV in front of thousands in the future. That’s for sure.
So it sounds like you’ve been working hard? What’s it been like getting ready for Friday night specifically?
What do you know about your opponent Alex Melendez?
I know he is 3-1 with 3 wins by submission. He just won an ammy title in Oklahoma recently so he is on a lil’ tear, I guess you could say. I got respect for every opponent I fight… We’re both trying to come up and make a name. I’m happy we’re gonna get to work all that out come Friday night!
How do you think you’re going to win this fight? Any predictions?
Man I know anything can happen so I ain’t gonna be ignorant and predict shit. All I can say is that I’m in shape and when that bell rings, I’m gonna take the center of the cage and start dropping BOMBS…after that we will let the cards fall where they may. Let’s see how he deals with that. I’m not worried about going anywhere in this fight… I know I am well trained and I will prove it! People that have seen me fight know I’m going in there to finish. I’m going out there to win the crowd and put on a show.
Any other goals for the near future after this fight?
Any last words for your opponent before the fight?
Not really man…he sent me a disrespectful message on Facebook saying “Please don’t hurt me!” <laughs> I only know one way to take it…I ain’t gonna lower myself to that bullshit. I’ll just say… See u Friday night homie! You will get to talk to me real good. Come on with it!
It’s always a pleasure to talk to you Chris. Any last words?
Real quick I would specifically like to thank the man upstairs for all the peeps in my life. I am glad I have tons of support. I also want to publically thank Professor TRAVIS TOOKE for giving me the opportunity to train and get better every day at his gym. My team has always made me feel at home. Grateful ain’t the word! I also want to thank all my sponsors, friends, and family. Especially my parents…Without them I wouldn’t be able to chase a dream. They work hard for me to do all this…I love u Mom and Dad mucho mas. And it sounds dumb but I mostly want to thank everyone back home that thinks this is a game and likes to talk…the ones that think I will fail drive me the most! Thank you!
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