Interview – Austin’s Nick Gonzalez Ready for Homecoming of Sorts Versus David Fuentes at UWF 1

AUSTIN, TX, November 22, 2011 – If there’s one word that describes Austin-based fighter Nick “The Ghost” Gonzalez, it’s passionate. He’s just the type of guy that feels that way about everything he considers as part of his life. He’s passionate about his heritage; passionate about his hometown; passionate about the people he brings into his inner circle; up to what type food he eats and what music he listened to, Nick just lives and breathes it all.

As a fighter, he’s just about seen it all.

Fighting in Texas since the dawn of “extreme fighting” way back when, Nick has had a lengthy and storied career representing Texas and Austin MMA for the better part of a decade. Starting out in Saul Soliz’ Renegades Extreme Fighting shows when Pancrase-rules (open-handed) bouts were all the state allowed, Nick would eventually move on to fight for larger venues like Strikeforce, EliteXC, and Bellator. Throughout his career, he’s faced some though competition – including Yves Edwards, Josh Thompson, and current The Ultimate Fighter season 13 cast member Dustin Neace. Winning more than he’s lost, “The Ghost” has compiled a 17-9 record with only 1 loss in his last five bouts.

For many, this amount of time and those dues paid to the game would be enough. Nobody would fault him if he were to call it a day and move on to a comfortable living coaching and teaching privates. But for Nick, he’s not done yet.

Not by a long shot.

With goals still yet to accomplish, one in particular trumping all others, he continues to persevere and try to make a name for himself. Nick will continue that quest this Saturday night when he takes on David “DJ” Fuentes at UWF 1 in the Rio Grande Valley’s Pharr Events Center.

We could up to Nick to get his pre-fight thoughts prior to this upcoming bout.

Nick, thanks for taking the time to talk to us. How are you feeling heading into Saturday?

I feel good man. I haven’t fought since King of Kombat in April so I’m really excited to get back in and try to get one more win before the year closes.

Who are you fighting and what do you know about him?

I’m fighting David Fuentes. I think I know enough. I know he can’t beat me! (laughs) Just playin’. I know he’s a tough scrappy guy but I think I can surprise him.

From what I know, I think he prefers to wrestle but also supposedly has a boxing background. I think he spent a little up at the H.I.T. Squad based on what I’ve heard. I’m guessing he will probably want to take me down but I’m going to try my best to not let it get that far. I’m just going to try and impose my will and end the year with a good performance – either a knockout or submission.

Who have you been working with in preparation for this fight?

Man I’m still working with Rudy Vasquez. He’s my trainer and go-to guy. We’ve been together for a long time, my whole career. I’m also working with the Paragon Jiu-Jitsu guys out here in Austin. We’ve got Darrin Lillian, Derek Garza, and a list of talented JJ people I get to work with along with their wrestling coach CJ Ortega.

I’m also getting a lot of good sparring in a Golden Gloves champion here in town named Mike Ortiz. There’s a list of other guys around town I’ve been able to work with through the years that help me get ready for fights including this one – whether its drills, sparring, rolling, or whatever else. Each one presents something different for me where I can benefit from. I’ve got some great support.

Now you’ll be fighting down in the Valley for this one on Saturday at UWF 1. How does it feel to be representing Austin down there?

Man it feels really good to be fighting down in the RGV. Actually my dad’s side of the family is from there. My uncle, my grandfather, and a lot of cousins are down there so it’s going to be really nice to be able to fight in front of them.

This actually feels kind of like a second homecoming because I actually went to high school in San Juan, which is right there next to Pharr. I’ve been able to stay in touch with some of my old friends through Facebook and stuff so they’re going to be down there for the fight so I’m excited for that. As far as representing Austin, I’ll always represent this city because it’s always done the same for me. Through all the ups and downs or whatever happens here in Texas with shows and friends coming and going, I’ve always tried to be kind of a frontrunner for Austin. I grew up here. This is my hometown and I’m always going to do my best to put the Austin MMA Scene up there while I stay busy here in Texas. I’m not going to claim a huge fan base or whatever but I feel like the city’s always given me a lot of support no matter where I’m at or who I’m fighting. Austin’s a great city, I love it.

Let’s say I was an out-of-towner coming into Austin for a visit for the first time. What are some cool things about that city you’d point out to me?

First things first, call me to come and hang out so I can give you the tour. (laughs) There’s so much man. With downtown, 6^th street, the warehouse district, and other places, the nightlife is always active. This is the live music capital of the world. There’s nothing like it. This place is a breeding ground for live entertainment. The city is always buzzing too with other events like concerts and festivals.

There’s always something going on. Plus it’s just a great city. The people are friendly and there’s a little bit of everything here. Town Lake is a beautiful to go down to because there are a lot of good restaurants to eat at. Downtown with the skyline and the high-rise buildings is a different scene. Then there’s Lake Travis which is a real hot spot when it’s warm. Also there’s the hill country which may be one of the prettiest parts of Texas. UT games… tailgating… You name it. There’s so much going on that makes this a great place to visit.

You’ve been fighting a long time now Nick, since 2001. Why do you keep fighting man, other than the money?

I keep fighting because I’m not in the UFC yet. I really feel like that is the last stop for me. When I ever get there, I can eventually rest. I’d like to close my career out after being in the UFC. I said way back then many years ago when I started that this would be the last goal. Out of 10 or 12 goals I set for myself, this is seriously the last thing. I’ve done everything else I’ve wanted to do but fight in the big, big show. I think I’m pretty close if I just keep on winning.

I definitely consider myself an exciting fighter and I wouldn’t exactly call myself a pioneer of MMA but I do know that I’m somebody that’s been able to stick through every transition point in mixed martial arts. You know every 3 or 4 years now it seems like there’s another team on top and that this sport is so fast-evolving that guys can left behind and people can forget about you quickly. I’ve tried to fight that by staying active, winning, and representing my name well. I’ve been blessed to never have any serious injuries through the years that require big-time surgery but I’ve always put my ass on the line. I’ve had my jaw broken, my arm broken, my hand… my nose. I’ve even laid down and gone to sleep but through all that, I’ve kept fighting and I hope people always remember me as an exciting fighter that chased his dreams and goals. If people remember me like that and I get to walk under that UFC banner, I’ll be happy.

Well certainly good luck in getting there and good luck to you and your opponent this weekend on an exciting fight. Anybody you want to acknowledge before you step into the cage at UWF 1 in Pharr?

Man I’d really thank my trainer Rudy Vasquez and all the guys over at Paragon. I also want to thank everybody out in San Diego from Alliance MMA down to the guys at Skyline who I got to work with out there. Thanks to my family here in town including my mom and kids who always have my back and support me through this long career that I’ve had. For the fans, thanks and make sure to keep an eye out for me because I’m on a warpath now and I don’t feel like stopping anytime soon as I try and accomplish my last goal.

► Note: UWF 1: Roger Huerta vs War Machine will be broadcast LIVE from the Pharr Events Center through Webcast PPV on Go Fight LIVE. TXMMA’s Paul Erickson will be commentating alongside UFC-veteran Phil Baroni so make sure you order the event!

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