HOUSTON, TX, JANUARY 6, 2012 – Its Friday fight night in the Houston area once again as Garcia Promotions’ Cage Combat 7 hits the Humble Civic Center starting at 7PM for 10 bouts of exciting amateur action to kick of things for the new year in Houston MMA.

Headlining the event this evening is a featherweight title match featuring Aaron Croon of Team Tooke taking on our latest interviewee John “Chile” Rodriguez of Silverback Fight Club.

Most recently winning impressively at Cage Combat 6 via rear-naked-choke over Raul Rodriguez (no relation), “Chile” is typically a quiet unassuming fighter that’s taken on a mentorship role within his gym – teaching others while developing his own skills as a fighter. He’ll look to put those skills to the test as he faces his biggest challenge yet in the towering Croon tonight in Humble.

Interview – John “Chile” Rodriguez

Chile, how did you get involved with MMA? What brought you to this sport?

Well like most people, I was a fan first. As far as what brought me to the sport, my wife signed us up at a fitness gym, and while I was getting into what I thought at the time was “in shape”, I told her I wanted to try MMA. I had got to a point in life where I was drinking excessively and alienating myself from the people that loved & cared about me. Around the same time, a friend of mine invited me to try a week at Silverback. I walked through those doors, and it turned out to the best decision I’ve ever made. Not only did it show me what I was made/capable of, it humbled me to a point where I was able to see the problems I had and allow me to mend relationships I had given up on in the past.

What’s life like outside the cage for you? What do you when you’re not fighting as far as work/personal life?

Life outside the gym/cage is hectic to say the least. I wake up, help get my kids ready for school, go to work, get the kids off the bus from school, help with homework, and then the second my wife gets home, it’s off to the gym. As far as hobbies, any time I get to take off is spent with my family. The best way to describe my job is just construction…I say this because my boss is not scared of any job. We do everything from building fences, painting, replacing sheetrock, I’m sure you get the idea.

So you’re no stranger to hard work. What do you feel has been your biggest accomplishment in MMA so far?

The highlight of my amateur career so far is without a doubt taking the July 29th fight on 1 days notice. I had literally just come back from vacation with my family that week, and it was amazing to be able to get my first TKO. On top of that, it was my birthday…you just can’t beat that! I will never forget that experience.

How do you feel you’ve improved as a fighter since you began training?

I feel like I have improved in all aspects of the game. I came in not even knowing how to through a proper jab or protect my neck, but Tony took me under his wing and built me from the ground up. I try to live by Tony’s saying “How you train is how you fight,” and I think I do a pretty good job at it.

How does it feel to be headlining the event tonight and fighting for the title?

I feel like all the work I’ve done this past year has paid off more than I could’ve imagined. Being able to fight for the 145 belt just proves if you’re willing to work hard and sacrifice your time to one goal, you will definitely be rewarded…the way I see it, a goal is just a dream with a deadline. You’re never promised tomorrow, so I work hard every day to make sure I’m getting what I deserve/want.

Any thoughts on your opponent Aaron Croon?

To be honest, it doesn’t matter what I think because you don’t get ranked as the #1 145 lb amateur by being a slouch. He’s the 1 man left standing in the way of something I want and have worked hard for, and that’s all that matters.

Any thoughts on how you match up or what you have to watch out for?

I think it’s a pretty good match up. We’re both tall for 145 lbs. I’m pretty sure he’s going to come out ready to show everyone why he is ranked #1, and I definitely want to show everyone that I’m more than capable of being #1 as well.

Do you have any predictions for this fight?

No predictions, but I just hope he’s been training as hard as I have.

What’s the future hold for you in MMA?

If all goes well the first half of the year, I would like to start looking into going pro. MMA has turned my life around, so I don’t plan on stopping any time soon.

Any last words before you step in the cage?

Yes, I would like to thank a few people. First and foremost, my thanks goes to God. Without Him, none of this would be possible. I also want to thank my wife for always believing in me and for being my rock that keeps me grounded. She really stresses to me that I can’t let my head get too big, and no matter who’s around, she lets me know when I’m getting too full of myself. <laughs> To my babies Esme & Adrian…they will always be my greatest accomplishments, and I love them to death. Of course, thanks to Tony for providing me with the proper skills to succeed in this fight game, and to all my Silverback brothers who help me elevate those skills. Big thanks to ProFormance and Limitless Fitness. Also, thanks to TXMMA for taking the time to interview me and giving me the opportunity to let people know a little more about me.

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