HOUSTON, TX, January 15, 2012 – Within the sport of MMA, Saul Soliz has long been known as an established trainer who can bring out a fighter’s finest qualities. The list of fighters he has produced or helped hone is lengthy. He’s worked with some of the best in the sport. Guys like a prime Tito Ortiz, former UFC champ Ricco Rodriguez, Carlo Prater, Yves Edwards, and more have all spent time with Saul at one point or another.

Nowadays, while Saul still spends time with his veteran pupils, some of his focus has also been on developing newer up-and-coming talent at Metro Fight Club. Guys you’ve never heard of yet, but will.

One of those guys is a fighter by the name of Luis Lara. Currently an 0-1 veteran on the amateur circuit, he made his debut on the undercard of Legacy Amateur Series 4 this past July against Eric Garcia. He came on the short end of the stick that night and dropped the decision as a result. Nonetheless, he still looked like a fighter with a bright future ahead of him.

He’ll look to confirm that assessment this Saturday night (Jan. 21) when he takes on Gold Team’s Marcus St. Germain in the first bout of the night at Legacy Amateur Series 7 (full card). Here are some of his thoughts heading into the bout.

Interview – Luis Lara (Metro Fight Club)

How have you been Luis? How does it feel to be getting back into the cage this Saturday?

Returning to the cage has generated all kinds of feelings for me. The best way to put it is redemption. I am not going to lose again. As far as how camp has been, it has been both heaven and hell! 

You’re reasonably new to the sport correct? How did you end up wanting to be a fighter?

It’s actually a funny story how I got into MMA. I’ve always been athletic doing all the sports in high school, and after high school I needed something to do, but never knew what else was out there. After getting into my first street fight however, I won that fight by the way, I knew what I’d do. So I walked into the gym I train at now, and fell in love with all martial arts.

What has training done for your life?

Training has done for me than I ever expected, I’m more focused because if I can do what I do in the cage, than something like a school paper is nothing for me. Plus I’ve met some great friends training and the knowledge I learn from them and with them will always be remembered. 

What do you do when you’re not in the gym?

Outside the cage I am a full time student at U of H downtown, and a full-time worker. You might think that effects my MMA training but not at all, I always stay active throughout the day and when it comes to actually training I’m worn out by the time I get home. Training MMA has given me more energy and confidence that I can do it. 

What would be doing with your time if you couldn’t train or fight?

If I wasn’t training what would I be doing? Hmm, that’s a good question, but definitely something productive!

What some of your goals in MMA for 2012?

For my goals this year are pretty simple, have more wins than losses, and get more medals competing at  jiu-jitsu tournaments.

What about outside the cage? anything you want to accomplish this year?

Outside the cage I plan to continue to make good grades, travel, and create opportunities for myself. 

What do you know about your opponent for this Saturday? Any thoughts on Marcus going in?

Honestly I don’t know anything about my opponent other than his name, height, and stance. That’s okay because I’m not interested in studying him because I’m more worried of what I’m going to do to him than what he’s going to throw my way.

How can we expect this fight to go?

This fight should be fun, I’m not going to say who will win or why, I’ll let my actions speak for themselves, but I’m going in at my best, and I’m confident in my abilities.

Any last words before Legacy Amateur Series 7?

Big thank you to Metro Fight Club, all my instructors and training partners. Big thank you to my family who support me, and a big thank you to all the people who bought tickets to go see me fight. As far as final words, add me and Mike Calimbas on Facebook!

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