Metro Fight Club’s Eric Valdez looks to keep winning against Quentin Kiper at Legacy Amateur Series 8

HOUSTON, TX, April 12, 2012 – Next up in our  Legacy Amateur Series 8  interview series is Metro Fight Club fighter Eric Valdez (1-1). He last fought this past January, wnning by rear-naked-choke submission over Chris Tornero (LAM 7). He’ll look to continue on with his winning ways against BJJ Revolution’s Quentin Kiper, who’s currently undefeated at 1-0 headed into this Saturday night at the House of Blues. We talked to Eric recently to discuss the fight and his mindset going into this weekend.

Legacy Amateur Series 8 Interview – Eric Valdez (Metro Fight Club)

Eric, what’s up man. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey within MMA.

Hi, my name is Eric Valdez and I’m 24 years old. I was born and raised here in Houston and I’m the youngest of four boys. I got into fighting after training at Metro Fight Club for a little over a year. I would describe my journey in this sport very challenging; it’s goes back to my days when I wrestled in school all the way until now that I know if you want to be the best it’s not going to be easy and it’s going to take a lot of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice to get to your ultimate goal and that’s to be a champ.

I remember when I was a kid and my older brother were watching a tape of the UFC 1 but I didn’t get into MMA until I was wrestling in high school and me and some friends would try out different moves we saw before or after practice on each other. Some of my favorite fighters in the sport right now I would have to say Jose Aldo, GSP, and Anderson Silva because these guys epitomize hard work and have a never ending hunger to better themselves.

What’s molded you to become the person you are?

After losing both my parents when I was five I give all my credit to my Aunt Lucinda. It was a very rough upbringing for all eight kids she took care of while only 23 years old but if anything it gave all of us determination to make something of ourselves. I love my Aunt dearly for everything she gave and sacrificed for us and if it wasn’t for her only god knows where I would be in my life right now.

What do you do outside of training?

I’m working towards my Kinesiology degree at school. Also I’m an assistance instructor at Metro Fight Club teaching the kids program we offer there. I’m doing what I love. It’s great.

You’re currently 1-1 and won your last fight. Describe that for us.

My last fight couldn’t have gone any better for me. I don’t want to take anything away from my opponent but I had his number that night and successfully did want I was set out to do and won by rear naked choke in the second round. I will never forget after winning I jumped on the cage to celebrate and I saw two whole sections of the Arena Theater stand up to cheer for my victory.

What are you doing to achieve the same result this time around at the House of Blues?

I didn’t take time off from my last fight in January. Having such an experienced coach like Saul Soliz pushing me above and beyond my limits and a great group of guys like Ricky Diego, Luis Lara, and Tien Nguyen to train every day at the gym they’re giving me all the tools I need to be successful, that’s the key.

What can you tell us about your opponent Quentin Kiper?

I don’t know anything about my next opponent other than his name but I was able to see his last fight and I’m sure he’s looking to push the pace from what I saw in his video.

Any predictions?

I’m looking to do what I know best and that’s wrestling, also keeping my distance and pick my shoots whenever I see and opening.

Any last words for Quentin?

I hope you’re ready.

Anything else you want to add?

I just want thank all my friends and family that is supporting me and I’m going to do everything I can to bring another “W” back home.