HOUSTON, TX, July 10, 2012 – It’s been little over two months since Artenas “Machine Gun” Young has been back in the cage and he’s looking for things to end a little more conclusively this time when he takes on fellow Houstonian Noel Ligon this Friday night at LEGACY 12, set to take place at the Arena Theater.
Fighting in Houston’s Legacy promotion for the first time in over a year at LEGACY 11 this past May, Artenas would face highly-regarded College Station resident Bubba Bush. It was the fight many thought would elevate the winner to the status of top area middleweight – a distinction earned by Team Tooke’s Andrew Craig until his departure for the UFC. With two guys like Young and Bush facing off, it was the perfect plan all the way up until the end – when the bout was stopped due to some illegal blows to the back of the head.
“Machine Gun” would win that night (by disqualification) but the bout left a bad taste in his mouth nonetheless, a taste he hopes to wash away by virtue of another, more conclusive victory in front of a nationwide audience on AXS TV Fights.
Here are his pre-fight thoughts prior to this Friday night.
LEGACY 12 Interview – Artenas “Machine Gun” Young
Oh without a doubt man. It’s my honor to be on here. I’m feeling exceptional about this camp and I was preparing for a fight at 175lbs so I’m in great shape and ready to go! Mick Maynard and all the guys involved have done a great thing for Texas and MMA in general with Legacy and I’ve been a belt holding champ for Mick before all the big names came so it’s always an honor to be back with them!
You just fought on the last Legacy card. What’s your motivation heading into Legacy 12?
I recently am coming of a controversial “W” where I didn’t get to showcase my stuff so I’m really look forward to being able to give the fans and my coaches what they have learned to love about me and much more! ….not to mention there’s a title floating around somewhere that belongs to me so I want to get closer to it.
You’ve fought as a pro 12 times since debuting in March 2010. How would you sum up your MMA so far?
Good question in my eyes, it has been a great success! I haven’t won all my fights and even have some very controversial losses on my record but I’m extremely blessed and have had opportunities at this point that most guys have to wait there whole career to achieve. It’s a constant learning period for me but I’m very happy!
How would you describe your style as a fighter to the new fan that’s never seen you fight before?
I’m pretty, I’m fast, and I’m strong, handsome and can’t possibly be beat! Did i mention I’m good looking? <laughs> Nah, I live this for this sport and I’m the real deal!
Looking ahead to this Friday, you were originally scheduled to face Jonathan Harris but he got hurt and now you’re facing Noel Ligon. How do you feel about the change?
My opponent may have changed but I have to say my state of mind hasn’t. I still want to end this fight in the same fashion as I had planned to against Harris, covered in his blood standing over him bowing out! As a person I really, really like Noel! He’s a personal friend of mine and this will be a great honorable battle between two warriors!
As everybody knows I’m a proud Jackson-Winklejohn / Mean 1 fighter! But I recently have been blessed enough to be working with one of, if not the best fight team in Houston, – 4OZ Fight Club. Not to mention the teams and guys I have been able to cross-train with, including Andrew Craig, Lester Batres, Jeff Rexroad, Mike Bronzoulis, James Head, and many more! Thank you all!
What’s next for you after this fight Chico?
The Legacy title! …After a lil’ TLC with the family of course!
Any last words or acknowledgements before LEGACY 12?
I wanna give a huge thanks to LimeLight Image, Proformance MouthGuards, Po- Boy Express, Wu- MMA, Chris Lutrell, Kru Perez, Sam Hoger, Leroy Franklin, and Mama Machine Gun! MGNATION! And My God Almighty!