Gold Team’s up-and-coming fighters prepare for Legacy Amateur Series 8 bouts this Saturday in Houston

HOUSTON, TX, April 10, 2012 – If you’ve ever seen anyone from Macaco’s Gold Team fight, then you’ve probably gotten the sense that this team is a close-knit enthusiastic bunch. They display it unabashedly with their chants of “Hey! Hey! Hey!” as a rallying cry or sound of celebration every time one of their fighters steps into the cage. Those sounds should be nothing new to area fans anymore. They’ve become familiar ever since Jorge Patino (Macaco) arrived in Houston just a few short years ago.

As both a head instructor and veteran fighter, most astute fans of the sport know of Patino’s accomplishments. He’s recognized as a hard-nosed type of guy both as a coach and as a competitor. He’s produced fighters like UFC fighters Felipe Arantes and Charles “do Bronx” Oliviera while continuing his own career – where he currently holds the distinction of being the Legacy welterweight champion while also being a top challenger for the promotion’s lightweight belt.

Macaco steps into the cage against 4OZ fighter Jesus Rivera on May 11^th  but before we get to his fight at LFC 11, let’s talk some about this weekend’s Legacy Amateur event that has 2 of his students from Gold Team fighting in Micah Williams and Donald Scott Davis.

Here are their TXMMA pre-fight interviews before they step into the cage this Saturday night.

Legacy Amateur Series 8 Interview – Micah Williams (Gold Team)

Micah, can you tell us a little bit about how you got into MMA? Why did you want to become a fighter and what are some of your goals here in the near future?

I got into fighting because I have always wanted to be an entertainer. I thought that was going to be through Pro Wrestling but I was just graduating high school and I could not afford the training. I never really watched MMA until TUF 10 was on with the heavyweights. From there I went on like a MMA binge just to learn more about the sport and I fell in love with it. I wanted to give it a try and saved up so I could train. I’ve been at Gold Team ever since. As far as goals, I want to win the Legacy tournament this year and bring more attention to the 205 division to show that we can get it in just like the smaller guys in the Houston area.

What do you do when you are not training or fighting?

I am currently working on my associates in Graphic Design at HCC. When I finish up there I plan on transferring to U of H to get my degree in Kinesiology. I also work for Baylor College of Medicine. I am stationed at Harris County Psychiatric Center where I work schizophrenics. I love designing things and taking photos and manipulating them in crazy ways. I’ve also been getting into Photography and Cinematography. Some random stuff –  I have a clothes and shoes obsession, I would save a bunch of money if I didn’t buy so much swag.

You sound like you’ve got a lot of things going on. What keeps you grounded.

My family, especially mi Madre. Whenever I’m feeling myself too much she is quick to snatch me up and tell me to get right and for that reason alone I don’t think I will ever change. I will always be respectful to others and be the loud and goofy tall lanky guy. <laughs>

I remember seeing you win your last fight with Jabari Shakur back last July. I don’t I’ve ever seen anyone more excited. How did it feel, looking back at it now?

I felt so good that I won because it was my first fight and I was put in there with a guy who was knocking fools out. <laugh> But watching it back I saw many mistakes that I can only hope to change in the future. With the first fight jitters out the way I think I should be able to go in there and get loose this next fight.

What else is going on at Gold Team that’s helped you get ready for this Saturday?

Training at Gold Team is really like being part of a second family. I have met some real cool people there. Macaco helps the most. Whenever I feel like giving up he will say things like, “You’re my champion!” and that would motivate me to keep fighting. I can’t say enough nice things about that man. Best coach in the world! I’m blessed to be able to work with him and the training partners I have. Adding Cyborg and Cyborguinho doesn’t hurt either.

What do you know about your opponent for this Saturday, Trevin Giles?

Not much. We have the same record and are around the same age. There’s nothing to really study since he finished his fight kind of quick. <laughs> This fight is nothing personal. It’s all skills. I been working on some jazzy little moves to get ready but I’m not saying a thing. Come April 14th expect a good fight. Houston will know that there is some talent coming out of the 205 division with myself and the other 205ers on the card. As far as Trevin, I don’t get into beefin’ or trash talk. I just want to wish him good luck and “may the best man win.”

Any last words Micah?

Thank you for the time it is greatly appreciated. Everyone at Legacy, thank you. Thanks to anyone who has helped me get to this point. My Gold Team family: Macaco, Lex, AJ, Jesse, Angelus, Scott, Alvin, James, David, Craig, Brian, Marcus, Charles, Eric, Cyborg, Cyborguinho. The whole team!

Legacy Amateur Series 8 Interview – Donald Scott Davis (Gold Team)

Donald, start off by telling us a little bit about yourself so the fans can know a little about you before you fight this Saturday.

I’m 25. I’ve moved around a lot but from I’m from Houston. I’m a personal trainer and own Fitness Lifestyle. I grew up a fighter… was always in bad situations, running around… I started training after a major transformation with my life. I had a car wreck and broke several bones. I vowed to myself to start taking care of my body from then on… It’s kind of funny now all I do is beat it up! I started Jiu-Jitsu at Blue Tiger Martial Arts in Rosenberg with a friend of mine who trained a bit, Robert. After signing up for a BJJ tournament I realized I needed to supplement more training so I started doing some research and found Macaco and saw that Gold Team was the gym for me! I’ve been soaking up knowledge ever since I got here. I think fighting has matured me as a person both physically and mentally.

With all that MMA training and also with you working as a personal trainer, do you ever leave the gym?

I don’t! <laughs> If I’m not in a gym I’m sleeping! Being a personal trainer I surround myself daily with knowledgeable people or clients willing to learn! The only thing better than training for me is coaching!

What’s your general philosophy on life?

I think life is about experiences; we learn and grow the more experience we have in life! Like I said, I moved around a lot as a kid and saw a lot of different styles of people and personalities. That along with my family and friends that influence me to be my best! I feel I am a better me today than I was yesterday!

What about fighting? What’s your thought process or primary goals in that respect?

I want to make a name for myself! I’m a hungry fighter and that should be scary to people. Long term, I’d like to train more athletes than functional fitness clients! Possibly own my own gym to spread to” Fitness Lifestyle!” Taking good care of my body has led me to good health and feeling better than I ever have and I want to share that with everyone!

So how do you feel heading into your Legacy debut on Saturday?

I’m feeling good, I’ve competed at BJJ events 4-5 times so I know the speed of competition.  I know will be slightly different but I’ve been training with some of the best guys.. real legends in the sport like Macaco, Cyborg, and his little brother cyborghuino.. Beasts! Those guys are animals and I love their aggressive styles!  Not gonna give away all our secrets but I have so many people helping me it’s amazing, I’m truly grateful and blessed! I get a lot of help from my coaches and of course but also the whole Gold Team family is supportive! We’ve got 4guys fighting on the 14th! GOLD TEAM HEEEYYYYY!!! Micah, Angelus, Alvin! I also cross train with TX 3rd Coast MMA with Professor Soliz and Jason and I can’t forget Ryan who has helped so much with my footwork, I used to have 2 left feet!

Any thoughts on your opponent, Lance McDonald?

It’s funny you ask! I just saw a video of him sparring and I’m not impressed. I don’t want to underestimate anyone, but I feel I work too hard and I’m too well-rounded to lose at this level. If I lose, it’s because of a mistake I make. I know somebody is going down… I’m training in a manner that it won’t be me on April 14th! It’s nothing personal against the kid… he is just in my way to the top! I expect to win with basics, hard training, being better prepared, superior cardio, effective striking and cage control. If I can find a submission or KO in the process, I’ll take it!!!

Any last words?

Huge shoutouts to Mike Calimbas, Barry Laminack, AJ Hoffman, and all the other guys who pave the way for Houston MMA and giving it a name! Will Black, Macaco, Cyborg, Cyborghuino and all of Gold Team Houston! TO GOD for giving me the power and strength to do what I do! My sponsors TKO unlimited, Blue Lion salon studios, Visalus, fort bend insurance managers! Last but not least my family, Poppa Penguin, and my sister Kesha… I do it for y’all! Love you guys!