SPRING, TX May 23, 2012 – Next up in our interview series for Cage Combat 9, we talk to featherweight Kody Williams of Gracie Barra – The Woodlands.

An undefeated 24 year old prospect, Kody made the transition to MMA this past October after a standout wrestling career at Klein Oak High School and Rider University. Since debuting in the sport, he’s managed to win his first two bouts via decision but he’ll be looking for his first finish when he takes on ATT Beaumont’s Martin Walker this Friday night at the Humble Civic center.

Here’s what he had to say prior to the bout.

Interview – Kody Williams (Gracie Barra – The Woodlands)

How are you feeling heading into this fight? Any insight on your preparations? What’s your typical schedule been like?

I feel great. I’ve been training hard in all aspects and I will be prepared for anything on fight night.

What’s defined life for you in the past year or so, both as a fighter and life outside the cage as well?

My main motivation is my desire to crush my enemies, to see them driven before me, and to hear the lamentation of their women.

What’s your source of motivation heading into this fight in particular?

Outside of training I have always been into video games. It is one more outlet for my competitive nature and I have a good time with it. I’m also an avid reader, mainly historical non-fiction but I will read almost anything.

What is your occupation outside MMA? any other responsibilities aside from training?

My family is actually really into it. I have three brothers that all wrestled and they love watching MMA, especially my fights. My mom would probably rather I chose a different path but she is still extremely supportive of it.

What’s the toughest thing you have to deal with in order to be the best fighter you can be?

I try to take something from all of my experiences, both good and bad, but the most significant was definitely getting started in wrestling. I had played sports all throughout my youth but I have a real passion for combat sports and I have been engaged in them ever since.

Do you follow a specific diet leading up to a fight? What’s it’s like managing that to compete in your weight class?

Yes it is necessary for me to follow a pretty strict diet to get down to the featherweight limit but I try to eat pretty clean even when I’m not in camp. I really love ice cream though so that is probably the biggest sacrifice that I have to make.

What’s the best advice you’ve given or been given when it comes to MMA?

I am fortunate enough to still live at home with my mom so the money I make as the wrestling coach for Gracie Barra is generally enough to cover my expenses. This really affords me the opportunity focus on sharpening my skills.

What’s your opinion on your opponent? What made you want to take this fight?

The best advice I’ve gotten was probably from my high school wrestling coach, Travis Ribordy. Before a big match he told me to act like I had been there before and that is something I thought about a lot especially before my first MMA bout. It is important not to let yourself be overwhelmed by the situation.

Any thoughts on how this fight plays out? Any predictions?

My original opponent was forced to pull out due to injury just recently so I don’t know all that much about my new opponent but that doesn’t make any difference to me. I am reluctant to make any specific predictions for this bout but there is no doubt in my mind that I am going to come out on top.

Any last words or anybody you want to thank before fight night?

First and foremost I have to thank my mom, she is hugely supportive and really makes this all possible for me. I also want to thank my baby brother Keith for helping me keep my wrestling game sharp as well as my original MMA training partner Jackson Hawkins. Of course big thanks to all of my training partners over at GB; Todd Moore, Alex Morono, Gerardo Abadie, Charles Lloyd, Tyler Flores, Marcus Dupar just to name a few of them. Much appreciation also goes out to TXMMA for offering me this interview and helping me get my name out there.