HOUSTON, TX, July 9, 2012 – If you live anywhere near the vicinity of Bayou City of Houston and looked outside at any point during the past few days, you may have noticed it’s a bit darker than usual. The clouds have set in and the thunder boasts the imminent arrival of a coming storm.
We take the good with the bad here in H-Town and for us, it’s just part of this time of year… the time period we (not so) lovingly refer to as hurricane season.
Aside from the weather, hurricane season also arrives to the H this Friday night in the form of one “Hurricane” Ike Villanueva, a longtime MMA vet and striking specialist notorious for his big words and big hits when he steps into the cage.
He’ll be taking on BJJ and ADCC Submission Wrestling world champion Robert Drysdale in the converted grappler’s promotional debut at LEGACY 12.
“When I got the offer, I didn’t even know who he (Drysdale) was,” says Ike – seemingly unimpressed by his opponent’s pedigreed background. “Looking at his past fights, it looks like he beat a lot of his opponents with fear. They were beat before the fight even started. Well guess what, that isn’t gonna happen with me.”
Villanueva has won 4 out of his last 7 overall but has lost his last two fights to some up-and-coming young guys (Justin Ledet and Larry Crowe). According to Ike, Drysdale will not be the third to make a name off him. It’s just not in the weather report.
“It’s my time,” says the Hurricane. “I’m about to use his hype as a stepping stone. It feels great to be back in the spotlight and I’m ready to prove why I am one of the best in this division. My career has been an exciting one already but I’m still hungry.”
“Some say he will stand with me, but I’m no fool. I will be ready with my nighttime medicine when he shoots. I’m a crowd pleaser every fight, and my style is what fans pay to see. I’m in there trying to get the finish every fight win or lose. That’s why they call me the Hurricane. My motivation is that there no tomorrow. I will not retreat or back down. It’s not in my blood. I’m a champion and I’m not looking past this fight in the least. I have literally been training for this guy since February. All my focus has been on Drysdale’s big head as a target. I’m gonna break him down and come away victorious via KO.”
“Thanks to everyone who help me train for this, even with my busy work schedule. Eddie Avelar has been helping me with my jitz and the crew at 4OZ helps me a lot. Thanks to Jesus for giving me the strength to do what I do. Thanks to my wife and kids who have gave me all the support I need. All my training partners thanks. To all the haters and fans who lost faith in me, it’s time to jump back on my band wagon.”
