ODESSA, TX, June 30, 2012 – It’s time for professional MMA action tonight in Odessa, TX as 24/7 Entertainment’s America’s Most Wanted event hits the Far West Event Center.
Ten bouts of action will be on tap for the West Texas MMA fans in attendance including Neal Ewing out of Dallas’ Octagon MMA. He’ll be taking Armando Herrera in a battle of DFW versus the Texas Panhandle as he looks to go 3-0 in professional competition.
We recently spoke to the 26 year old Dallas native to get his thoughts on the bout.
Interview – Neal Ewing (Octagon MMA)
I’d always liked watching it on TV, and I had gained a bunch of wait after college since I wasn’t playing football anymore. So, it started as a way to lose weight, and then I really fell in love with the sport and decided I wanted to fight.
Any memorable moments so far?
I’m still pretty early in my career, so I haven’t had anything to memorable happen just yet.
How does this compare to playing football?
I’ve played football a majority of my life and that was the only thing I really knew how to train for. With MMA I’ve learned how to train myself in a completely different way, and I’ve noticed how it can translate into many other sports.
Do you still do any other sports or anything else now?
I really enjoy track. I ran hurdles in high school, and also ran over the summer. So, every summer I coach track for the team that I ran with when I was in high school. Also, my coach, a couple teammates, and myself started a non-profit organization to help sponsor kids to train MMA that otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford to.
I think the fact that I’m always able to keep my cool and not freak out under in any situation defines me both as a fighter and a person.
Who’s helped you get ready for your upcoming fight?
My coach Sayif Saud and all my teammates have helped me get ready for the fight, and I feel very prepared for June 30.
What can the crowd expect from you on Saturday night?
The crowd can expect me to come out and put everything I have into this fight, and try to put on an exciting show for everybody.
As far as I know he’s a boxer. I don’t have any predictions on how I expect to win, because you never know which direction a fight will take.
What’s next for you after this?
After the fight I’m going to rest up and finish getting my Master’s at the end of the summer. Then see what opportunities are out there for me.
Any last words?
None. I just can’t wait to climb into the cage and get to work on June 30th.