CORPUS CHRISTI, TX, May 2, 2012 – The first season of the UWF Tournament of Warriors is only a few days away now with the opening round taking place this Friday at Corpus Christi’s American Bank Center. We’ve been interviewing several of the participants leading up to the show and if their excitement is of any indication, expect this elimination round to be a hard-fought affair all around with all the contestants fighting hard to move on to the semi-finals scheduled for three weeks away in Harlingen.
Our last interviewee leading up to the show is 49-fight veteran welterweight Chuck Parmelee.
Fighting out of Rough House MMA in Sioux City, Iowa, the 33 year old has kept himself very busy since starting in the sport in its earlier days back in 1999. Given his record of fighting as often as he can, usually every few months if not closer in-between fights, it’s pretty obvious that he is the type of fighter that doesn’t mind taking on all comers. He’ll need that attitude to make it through a tournament where he won’t get to decide who he faces all the way up to the finale and the $25,000 grand prize.
UWF Tournament of Warriors Interview – Chuck Parmelee (Rough House MMA)
Chuck, you’ve been fighting for a long time. Tell us about how you got started in this sport.
I saw the UFC on TV back when it first started and I liked it so when a promoter did a show in my hometown I signed up for it. That was back in 1999 but I didn’t really get serious with the sport until 2007 when I decided to do MMA full time. Everything prior to that was basically kind of a hobby and real hit and miss, nothing real serious. I love this sport because of the drive and dedication it takes every day to do it. To me working hard every day is rewarding. Now I’m just looking to compete with top level guys. Doesn’t really matter where it is.
What do you do when you’re not training or fighting? Do any other responsibilities or hobbies take up your time?
I spend all my time at the Rough House training and running the gym and then I go home to my real house with my two kids who are very active in sports and stuff. That’s pretty much all I do.
What do you think has made you into the person you are today?
I’ve had to work for and fight for everything I’ve ever had my whole life so it’s given me a good work ethic and drive to succeed in life and in MMA.
Why did you decide to enter the UWF Tournament of Warriors?
I entered this tourney because I like to stay as busy as possible and the tourney format is a good way to do that. Camp has been great with my coach Darin Dunn and my teammates back home in Iowa at Rough House MMA so I’ll be ready to go through the whole thing.
Who are you fighting in the first round and what do you know about them?
Mitch Whitesel. I don’t know a lot about him. It looks like he has lots of experience though.
Any predictions on how you expect to win this fight?
I just expect to dominate every position and the rest will take care of itself. It would mean a lot to win. I’m excited.
Any last words before Friday?
Yea I’d like to thank all my fans and the MMA fans in general that keep this sport alive and motivate us fighters to train and compete at a high level.
UWF Tournament of Warriors – Opening Round Brackets
UWFMMA – Lightweight Tournament
Gilbert Jimenez (5-4-1) vs. Scott Cleve (8-2)
Flavio Alvaro (14-5) vs. Chris Quitiquit (4-1)
Rey Trujillo (9-6) vs. Christopher Pecero (4-3)
Victor Hernandez (8-13) vs. Hector Munoz (10-4)
UWFMMA – Welterweight Tournament
Larry Hopkins (3-10) vs. John Malbrough (3-2)
Mitchell Whitesel (19-20) vs. Chuck Parmelee (33-13)
Shamar Bailey (13-6) vs. Lucas Pimenta (14-7)
Justin Gutherie (14-4) vs. Jonathan Knutson (9-4)
