BEAUMONT, TX, December 12, 2011 – HDNet’s Legacy Fighting Championship 9 is now just a short week away with all the action set to take place at Houston’s Arena Theater this Friday night. Next up in our interview series for this event is a rising star out of American Top Team Beaumont by the name of Cody “Wolverine” Williams. Currently 2-0 after beating veteran nate Garza by KO in little over a minute on the last Legacy undercard, Williams is a fighter on a roll. Winning 6 out of 7 on the amateur level, he is the type of fighter that’s no stranger to competition. Despite his short 2-fight record at the pros, Cody has prepared himself meticulously to make an immediate impact and wants to take on the toughest fighters out there immediately.

This Friday, his wish is granted when takes on Steve Garcia, a 12-fight MMA veteran with a chip on his shoulder after losing his last two fights to current XKO champion Steven Peterson and UFC veteran Will Campuzano. He’ll indeed be looking to stop the “Wolverine” right in his tracks but Cody believes he’s ready to prove otherwise in validating his blue-chip status and climbing even higher in the world of MMA. Here are the rest of his pre-fight talks from his conversation with TXMMA.com.

Interview – Cody Williams

How does it feel to be headed into the biggest fight of your life?

Right now it feels like it part of the path I’m taking. I’m not nervous or anxious. I’m patient and calm, almost restrained but seeing the date and knowing it’s getting closer, I know soon I’ll feel the freedom the cage provides and that feels great.

Let’s rewind to the last one for a second. Take us through that fight with Nate Garza. What was going through your head before, during, and after the fight?

Before the fight, Nate simply put he wanted to stand and bang and see who had the better chin which is fine with me to any end in any fight. During the fight I focused on creating angles with head movement, footwork, and also was sure not to over extend any punches without being able to defend the counter because that was one thing I saw about Nate. He was very patient in his previous fights and to me it looked as though he like to counter. After the fight I was lifted! An exciting finish against a tough opponent with Jessica Aguilar there to tell all the coaches back in Coconut Creek how I had handled the preparation and execution. I knew it was a success all the way around.

With this upcoming fight at Legacy Fighting Championship 9, what have you done differently to prepare?

I’ve studied more literature. I read books on technique and psychology and preparation for sports. I’m always expanding my mental game as well as my physical arsenal. On the physical side, we brought in a wrestler from Michigan. He’s had a lot of experience in the wrestling game and has helped me a ton with my balance. He wishes to remain discreet so I of course acknowledge that. I’ve also had the luxury of my training partners getting better around me as well. American Top Team is cropping up some serious talent for 2012. Hopefully we can get on some of these Houston cards so we don’t have to travel too far. I broke down a lot of film on some recent cards. I’m really seeing my Muay Thai and BJJ game coming along with my boxing and training so I want to show some of those skills.

I remember you entered a GI tournament recently. How was that experience and what did you learn from it?

It was fun, exciting, and definitely new. I really don’t like the sandbaggers out there but according to the general grappling population that’s just part of it. My defense has tightened up by a noticeable margin. Hopefully I’ll get to get back on the mat out there in early 2012. I wanted to do the tournament the next month and almost registered but was advised not to for injury purposes but we’ll see.

What else is going on in your life besides prepping for this fight?

<laughs> What isn’t going on?! I’m busy every day. There’s a lot going on right now with my role at our school increasing. I love helping expand and market the American Top Team in any way I can. Being busy is good for me because it’s not just a static ‘busy.’ I’m productive every day inside and outside of the gym and also at work. Making things happen, it’s what I do. Wedding planning around the corner… my best friend is getting married in April so I’m planning his bachelor party.. Then the holidays are here that’s always a crazy time of year for any family man… living the dream and being a little better each day than I was the day before. Been traveling a lot lately on the weekends to go train and spend time with family. But even when I go see family I’ll sneak away for an evening session at a nearby gym or make sure I’m running or getting something in. I’m always training mentally or physically.

What do you think about your opponent, Steve Garcia?

Steve comes from a respected gym. They all know how to scrap. He is fighting with a chip on his shoulder after dropping 2 in a row. After the last one ended so early I know he wants to make a statement with this fight. But unfortunately that’s not going to be easy. We’re both tough in the cage and have had seasoned pasts that make us who we are today. I respect Steve but do not fear him.

What do you think or want a win over him will do for your career?

I hope Mick and Legacy see this as a fight that will put me in title contention. I wanted Steven Peterson but they saw Garcia as a better matchup and I’m not the guy that picks and chooses his fights. I want to be the best in the world one day and that comes one fight at a time.

How would you analyze Steve as an opponent? Where do you think he’s most dangerous?

I think he is best in the clinch throwing knees and he has some pretty slick submissions off his back from what I’ve seen and heard. So I just have to stay aware of the submissions wherever the fight is at and to hold me in the clinch is either going to take a high level of technique or some serious strength. I don’t see myself getting tired and I don’t see anyone in the bantamweight class over powering me for a long time.

How are you planning on beating him?

I don’t see very many people being able to walk through my strikes. People say that they have knockout power in both hands, and I believe I have it in both hands, legs, knees, and elbows. I’m ready to go wherever the fight is at. I’m just going to win every position and if the finish happens, great. If not, then I’m prepared to go all 3 rounds.

Any last words before this Friday night?

I want to say thank you to all of our Military serving right now. Active or not, it’s great to be able to have the American life. Even if you don’t support the war you should support the troops out there. Shout out to my team at American Top Team all the guys helping and coming up its great to be part of the family there. All my sponsors – Sign Builders of American, Major League Grill, Zero Cut Creative, Spidle and Spidle Oil, Texas Karate Academy, On Stage Hair Design, All-Star Sports Massage, L & M Embroidery, Subtrakx, and all of my supporters who believe in me each time I step in the cage.

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