CORPUS CHRISTIE, TX, February 28, 2012 – Though he started in martial arts like most people, as a 7 year old doing taekwondo, 1-0 pro fighter and full-time Corpus Christie firefighter Roger Narvaez never had any inkling for competing himself until much later in life. “I’ve always been a fan of the sport,” he says about his first experiences with MMA. “I remember watching the very first UFC and being in awe of the fighters competing.” Growing up as part of what he describes as your average middle class working family, his parents did all they could to nurture him and his brother into sports. That’s where he got his competitive drive – something that ultimately led to him training under an old friend about little less than 5 years ago.
“It was then that I heard about one of my high school friends (Hector Munoz), who had started teaching here in Corpus,” says Roger. “I knew he was an up-and-coming fighter here in Texas so I went to see him since I wanted to find something I could keep competing in. I love to train and am fortunate enough to have the support I need at home. My wife herself was an athlete and knows what it takes to be successful in sports. She is my single biggest supporter and with her in my corner the UFC definitely seems like a great possibility.”
With the highest of aspirations in mind, Roger has taken his time to hone in on developing his skills rather than just jump in and fight without feeling as prepared as can be. That attitude took him to a 3-0 amateur record while fighting in the Texas Rage in the Cage as an amateur throughout 2010-2011. He’s since made his pro debut as a BJJ brown belt at STFC 17 this past October with a first-round TKO win over fellow debutante Julio Villarreal. With his first pro win already in the books, “The Silverback” will now look to make it 2-0 this Friday night at STFC 19 when he takes on a more experienced opponent in Andrew Garza (3-1), a fighter he knows will be hungry to beat him after suffering the first loss of his career.
Feeling as ready as ever, Roger will be stepping into the cage knowing he’s done everything he could have done to prepare.
“It’s been about an 8 week camp which is longer than I usually have the chance to prepare. I have incorporated kettle bell training w/ fellow training partner and owner of Hardstyle Kettlebell Club, Hector Gutierrez. It’s taken my explosive strength to another level. As for my MMA training it has been business as usual at Paragon BJJ and FCFA. My head coach Hector Munoz and training partner Jimmy Flick will also be fighting with me this weekend. My other training partner Corey Bellino has already started his camp for his fight in April so the intensity and drive is definitely visible during our training sessions. This had actually been the first training camp with no injuries so I feel truly blessed to be able to have a full camp where I didn’t have to sit out for any reason. Now I feel confident heading into the fight this week. All of the hard training is done and now it’s just time to let my body rest before battle. I always get nervous a couple weeks out but that is normal for me. The important thing is that once that cage doors shut I am able to use that nervous energy to my favor. It’s like a light switch flips and once it’s on you don’t want to be in the cage with the Silverback! Come get some!”
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank my lord and savior Jesus Christ for every breath he gives me on this Earth. I would like to thank my wife, family, and the real supporters that have my back. I would like to give a shout out to Paragon BJJ and FCFA warriors who helped me get ready for my fight. I would also like to thank all of my sponsors who with their continued support will hopefully reach the top: Bowdown Fight Company, Fight Hard. Net, Rocks, Armadillo Chiropractic, Bennett Exploration, Lou Mans Wireless, Swolle Fitness Apparel, Platinum signs and Wraps, Franks Extremewear, Dirty Unltd Printing, and Hardstyle Kettlebell Club. – Roger “Silverback” Narvaez
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