DALLAS, TX, November 29, 2011 – When it comes to fighters that have a “take on all comers” attitude, perhaps none have exhibited that type of budo this year more than Randy Villarreal. Fighting a staggering 7 times already in 2011, Randy will be making his 8th cage appearance this Saturday night at XKO 13 against Frank Ortega. Win or lose, it’s always a certainty that he comes to fight as none of his fights this year have reached the judges’ scorecards.
Now fighting at 125 whereas he’s fought as high as twenty pounds over his natural weight in the recent past, Villarreal is now hoping to start a new beginning at flyweight and eventually prove he deserves to be considered among the upper echelon of flyweights in the state. In order to do that, he’ll have to get past this first test against Ortega in Arlington.
We recently spoke to Randy to get his thoughts on this upcoming fight, his year overall in 2011, and what we can expect from him in the near future.
How’s everything been going for in between taking a ton of fights year Randy?
Really, it’s like what you just said. I’ve been staying busy and this (XKO 13) is going to be my eighth fight of the year. I’m always training and always looking to improve.
Why have you taking on so many fights, specifically so many fights that people would consider “tough” matchups. Is it just a warrior mentality? What’s been your thought process?
There are a lot of things that go into it but the most important thing is the fact that I’m a full-time fighter. This is my job so when I’m not fighting, I’m making a living. Then on top of it, it’s just like you said… I’ve always said ever since I started my career that I always wanted to fight the best. I would literally fight anybody. Of course there’s making sure we’re at the right weight and that type of thing but that’s just what it is. I’ve jumped into a lot of tough opportunities but I also feel that taking all these fights is getting me ready for fights at a UFC-level. I’m already used to fighting all these tough people.
Wins and losses aside, you’re certainly known as a guy that people like to see and one that does have that attitude of fighting anyone. But what do you see yourself as (as a fighter)? How do you hope the fans perceive you?
I want to be seen as by everyone as “what a fighter should be.” A fighter fights at any time. I think you step whenever you have to and that’s just me. I’m never shy to take a fight, whether it’s on short notice or whatever. I guess I want to be known for that more than anything. I’ve fought at multiple weight classes and am always willing to compete. I think the fans see all that.
What’s the proudest moment of your career so far?
Without a doubt, it’s beating Zach George. It was this past May in Oklahoma. He was 20-4 and that was my second fight ever at 145. Saturday I’m fighting at 125 and right now I’m walking around at 131/132. For George, I moved up two weight classes for that fight to fight a guy in his home state where he hadn’t lost before and had a great record as a Bellator veteran and all that but I got the win in the first round.
Moving on to this Saturday, tell us a little bit about your upcoming fight.
I’m fighting Frank Ortega. Training has been going good with my striking coach Durwyn Lamb at Phalanx MMA and at Team Genesis with Tony (Tipton) and Albert (Hughes). The focus at both places have been pretty much the same thing and that’s on constantly improving. I’m always trying to get my techniques better but overall, I feel really good, especially at 125. I don’t want to sound cocky or overconfident because I definitely don’t think too much of myself like that but I’ve fought at 135/145 and did okay but now I can’t wait to prove myself at 125 where I belong.
How do you see this fight playing out on Saturday at XKO 13 against Frank Ortega?
Without getting into details, I think it will be a stoppage. I will stop him. I’m not sure how because there’s a lot of different ways but it will be an exciting fight and it will be fight of the night.
We have a new year in Texas MMA coming up. What can expect from you in 2012?
Expect to see more of the same except I’ll probably be picking my fights smarter. I’m no longer going to be jumping up to all these different weight classes fighting way bigger dudes. I’ll be sticking to 125 and I just want to prove that I’m one of the best 125’ers in Texas and eventually in the nation.
Any last words before you step into the cage on Saturday?
As usual I want to thank my coaches, especially for this camp since a lot of stuff has been happening and they’ve continued to be there for me and had my back. Also thanks to my sponsors for helping me – Dre’s Auto Group, Old South Decals, Jerome Salas Custom Airbrushing, AGA championship Martial Arts, Motivated Fight Gear, and Midnight Activity Group. They’re going to help me with my entrance on Saturday where I’ll have a rapper performing live as I walk in so that should be fun. Also, thanks to Andy’s Painting for all that they do as well.
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