Houston fighter Thomas Galdenzi traveling to Oklahoma to earn Muay Thai title on April 14th

HOUSTON, TX, April 2, 2012 – Great MMA fights are one thing but have you ever seen a great striking match (e.g. Zambidis vs. Chahid in K-1 or pretty much any Mike Tyson fight in the late 1980’s) and marveled at the sheer beauty of two men trying to take each others’ heads off without any hesitation? We get those types of moments in Mixed Martial Arts fights at times and those fights get to join the conversation but sadly, striking-only bouts have also kind of taken a backseat to MMA as far as a growing sport – and this is true no matter what Floyd Mayweather Jr. (one of the last boxing greats of our generation) say about the MMA vs. boxing conversation.

In the great state of Texas, the same trend has taken place as of late – with MMA growing while striking sports have been, in the opinions of many anyways, been in a period of decline. You see promotions like Legacy FC, UWF, Fight Game, and XKO plying their trade all over the state while boxing (outside of trade circles and big national fights) not being heard of too much. There’s a myriad of factors for this but this writer will say that none of it has to do with the purity of the arts themselves. Boxing, Muay Thai, and all the other hard striking arts should still be as appreciated as they’ve ever been, and rightfully.

Sadly, while boxing is regulated here in Texas, Muay Thai (in traditional form anyways) is not and fighters often have to travel out of state to pick up true Thai-style fights, or even modified-rule kickboxing matches. We’ve spoken to guys like Nathaneel Mongonia and Alexis Chavarria of Kru Pong’s gym here in Houston about that experience in the past. On April 14^th, another fighter in Thomas Galdezi makes that trip out of state as well when he travels to Oklahoma to take part in the Collision Extreme Combat (CEC) event to take on Troy Felder for their 147lbs. title. In light of this event, and in support of Muay Thai and striking in general, we decided to catch up with Thomas to get his pre-fight thoughts.

Interview – Thomas Galdenzi (Champions MMA)

Tell us a little bit about how you got started in striking and MMA.

My dad Walter Galdenzi owns a Karate/Kickboxing/MMA gym called Champions MMA and Fitness. I can remember when I was a little kid my dad would take me to the dojo, as he would like to call it, to watch him train and teach. Every since then I was hooked with martial arts. I start Karate at a young age but I only stayed with it for a year. Then when I was in High School, I started wrestling for Klein High School. Then my sophomore year I started boxing at L.A Boxing. So I have been training for about 6 years in different Martial Arts.

Why do you love fighting?

I eat, sleep Fighting. I don’t watch any other sports other than MMA & K-1 & Boxing. I love how the Combat sports are one on one, because when you win it’s all your glory and you don’t have to share it with anyone. Also when you lose you can’t blame anyone but yourself, which I also love.

Do you train anywhere else besides your own gym?

I train around at a few different gym’s, But my main gym is Champion’s MMA with ( Eric Schechinger , Taylor Moses , Lance McDonald , Austin Franks) , but I also Train a lot in C.S with Team Unleashed with ( Carl Perry , Kyle Simpson, Brandon Hanna) .. I have done a few fight camps with 4oz M.M.A because there guys are the best around & can all scrap! Jeremy & Bob great Thai coaches.

What else is going on in your life? What was growing up like for you and what’s life like now?

I’m a full Time student at Lonestar College, studying to become an x-ray technician, which I am only a year away to be finished. I also teach at Champions MMA & Manage a few fighter’s with Galdenzi Management. Growing up for me was great. I had great friends & a loving family. I wasn’t the smartest kid in school , so I kinda got into fight’s , because I didn’t put up with name calling. I also started my own Back Yard MMA Promotion called Camptank. YouTube use! That’s what really started my path to competing in Muay Thai & MMA.

What kind of sacrificed in your life in order to becoming the best fighter you can be?

I have sacrificed a lot to be in this Title fight April 14, 2012. I have to pass up on parties, girls, friends, jobs… I want this belt more than anything in world. When I win this belt I will have an accomplished one of my biggest goals in life. Then I can go Pro and a good name for myself , because I will be a Amateur Champion and make more money than I would if I wasn’t a champ coming into the Pro’s..

Any other life goals besides winning this belt?

I want to be a K-1 Kickboxing World Champ, then come over to the UFC and fight for a Belt.I want to be like Alistair Overeem! My other goal in life is become x-ray technician and work my Brother in Law hospital in Miami, Florida.

What can you tell us about this event you’re fighting in on April 14th?

I will be fighting for the Collision Extreme Combat 147LB Title in Oklahoma VS Troy Felder (3-0) with 2 KO’s. I will be the CO-Main Event! It’s a truly honor to be fighting for a great promotion like C.E.C Title and I promise I will put on a show for the Oklahoma fan’s. They might boo me at first, because I’m from Houston and the guy I’m fighting is from Oklahoma. But after the fight they all will cheer for me, because I’m going to bang and to get this Title. Nothing will stand in my away!

What are you expecting from your opponent and this event in general?

I’m expecting my Opponent to come out hard and fast, because out of his 3 fights 2 of them are Knock outs in the first round. But I’m use to fighting at 153lb and this fight is at 147lb , so I don’t see him knocking me out and I plan on wreathing the storm , then in round 3 or 4 go in for the kill. I have fought in Tournament’s were you have to fight multiple times in one day , so I know I can go 5 hard rounds no problem. This is my time to shine. The event will be a packed house. 2 title fights & 18 other Muay Thai fights on the Card.

Any predictions for the outcome and what’s next for you in your career?

I see me winning this fight in rounds 4 or 5 by KO. I’m at my best for this fight and mentally I’m in a great place and I know I have put in the work to win this belt! Next I will be defending the Belt in May hopefully on C.E.C next event.

Any last words before April 14^th?

Thank to All my training partners and Gym’s for helping me out for this title fight April 14, 2012. I promise to do all ya’ll right in this fight. Also thank you to my sponsor’s Revolutus Fightwear for believing in me and hooking me up with the coolest gear around. Everyone should check out RevolutusFightwear.com. They got some great stuff! Thank you TXMMA for the interview.