DALLAS, TX, July 7, 2012 – Longtime-running South Texas MMA promotion STFC returns to the McAllen Convention Center for their 21st event, aptly entitled STFC 21: Rampage. Scheduled for the McAllen Convention Center, the card features undefeated STFC middleweight champion Frank Trevino (8-0) defending his title against Corpus Christi-based challenger Corey Bellino (6-1).
Aside from the headlining bout, STFC 21 aims to feature a bevy of young talent as well – including DFW-area fighters Tony Tipton, Randy Villarreal, and our latest interviewee Eli Tamez.
A Rowlett resident with plenty of roots down in South Texas, Eli will finally be stepping back into the cage for the first time in 2012.
Training out of Downtown Dallas’ Octagon MMA facility, Eli built up a 3-0 pro record so far after going 5-1 as an amateur including a win over recent Legacy/HDNet winner Nelson Salas. He’ll now look to add to that on Saturday, July 13th when he takes on five-fight veteran Amador Ramirez (3-2) at STFC 21.
Here are his thoughts prior to the fight.
STFC 21 Interview – Eli Tamez (Octagon MMA / Imperial Fight MGMT)
It’s been awhile since your last fight. How does it feel to finally be getting back in there Eli?
Thanks for taking your time to interview me.
It feels good to get back in there. I haven’t been doing anything I was supposed to fight in February but 3 weeks before had some issues I had to take care of. Then in March I had something else lined up but the show ended up canceling 1 week before. Then again in May but I ended up getting a slight injury that put me out for 2 weeks and that was a week before. So I’ve been steadily training I haven’t taken much time at all off.
I know you’ve got a young family. How do they feel about you fighting and how do you juggle your different responsibilities?
I have an almost 3 year old son and a wife we’ve been married almost a year. She is my biggest support system. We are definitely lucky! She owns her own commercial company so it allows her to stay home with our son and I make my own schedule I cut hair so I work around my training schedule. So I’m really able to spend a lot of time with my family.
What is your training regimen in preparing for a fight versus when you don’t have one scheduled?
When I have a fight I’m training like a mad man. Train with my strength and conditioning coach Rod with West Plano Crossfit 5 days a week. Also train at my home gym Octagon MMA 4 days a week on top of doing some personals with my coach Sayif Saud and get about 10-15 miles a week and play soccer on Sunday’s. When I don’t have a fight lined up I still try to train about 4-5 days a week just like once or twice a day.
You’re currently 3-0 and one we’d consider a ‘prospect to look out for.’ What are your goals as a fighter for the rest of the year?
My goals for the year are to just really keep learning as much as possible. I don’t mind taking one fight at a time and seeing where it takes me. I’m continuously getting better and better every day.
What’s your source of motivation? How do you motivate yourself to get in there and do well?
My source of motivation is definitely my wife and son. Everything I do is for them. When I’m in the cage all I can think about is my opponent is stealing from them and I can’t let it happen. Also my church is very behind me. They sponsor me and always get super excited to hear about my fights.
The DFW MMA Scene seems to have grown in the last year. How would you describe it at this point?
DFW fighters are getting better and better every day. And I’m lucky to be able to train with some of the top elite fighters in Texas.
What about Imperial Fight MGMT. What’s it like being a part of that group?
Being a part of Imperial is awesome Matt is a huge part of my training and makes sure I’m getting my work in and my weight is good. He really takes care of me. Also the fighters that are apart of imperial are beasts so makes me feel good to get work in with them and be a part of the team.
What are your thoughts on STFC 21 and fighting down south?
My whole family lives in south Texas so I love fighting down there. They support me and I always have a big crowd. We have a huge family reunion on Saturday after my fight so that will be exciting too.
Any thoughts on your opponent or predictions for the fight? How do you see it?
I’m fighting Amador Ramirez who is 3-2 at a catch weight of 140 lbs. I never know how my fight is going to go. I always plan for the worst 3 rounds ever. I don’t take anyone lightly and just know that my training will pay off in the end. Where ever it goes is fine with me.
Any last words before the fight?
I just want to thank God first and foremost, my church New Community in Mesquite, my coach Sayif Saud and teammates at Octagon MMA, my manager Matt with Imperial, Rod with West Plano Crossfit, Buff Water, Last round nutrition, Dr. Franco with BiteLock, Drugz Supplements, Cruz combat for my fight shorts and fight shirts, Revgear, Anthony Vallejos for designing my shirts, special thanks to my beautiful wife Crystal and son Zane for putting up with my training schedule and to you Mike for taking your time out to do this interview.