CORPUS CHRISTI, TX, July 10, 2012 – At the root of competition is an athlete’s fundamental and intrinsic desire to test their limits. It’s the root of all sports – that willingness to risk pride, skill, and public perception against another to see who is more skilled, who gets to come out on top as the victor and seize the glory and riches that come with it.
When it comes to mixed martial arts at the local level, it gets even more narrowed down to the core of the individual. Though there is the matter of public perception (and glory) to some degree, the riches are few and far in between and it’s less about showing off to the world than it is about proving something to yourself.
It’s about testing yourself. It’s about taking a look at the win/loss column on your record and no matter what it lists, being able to say “I am.”
For Corpus Christi police officer / mixed martial artist Corey Bellino, that description of what competition is all about is the essence of motivation heading into his title bout against Frank Trevino this Friday night at STFC 21.
Here’s Corey with more on the upcoming fight and more.
STFC 21 Interview – Corey Bellino (Paragon / FCFA)
First of all, thanks for taking the interview Corey. How are you feeling heading into this title fight with Frank at STFC 21?
No problem Mike. Thank you for the interview. I feel good going into this fight with Frank. I feel well trained, confident and in shape.
Looking back at your last fight, how would describe that last one with Andre Kavanaugh?
I knew that Andre would be a scrapper and I was ready for that. He did a good job of defending on the ground in the first round, but I managed to open him up more in the second for the TKO victory.
This will be your fourth fight with STFC this Friday. What’s it been like fighting for them?
STFC has always been good to me. I feel STFC talks to me on a more sociable level, which makes it more personal. I feel like I am more than just a number to them. I appreciate every opportunity that I have had and will have in the world of MMA.
How would you describe your style as a fighter to the average fan?
I have an all-around MMA style. I am confident every place the fight could, would, or will take place. The average fan could see anything from me depending on my opponent. Like all fighters should, I train every aspect of MMA.
What’s inspired you to prepare for this fight in particular?
I got into this sport to compete against the best. I feel that Frank is one of the best. Another motivation is I do not like to lose and I want to prove to myself I am one of the best. I want to bring back that STFC middleweight belt to Corpus Christi for sure.
What have you done to get ready for this fight?
I continue to train with the Paragon and Full Contact Fight Academy team. My coaches Aurelio Gallegos, Hector Munoz and Roger Narvaez are my main help. I have several training partners on top of those named. I appreciate them all for every round they give me.
Any thoughts on Frank Trevino in particular as an adversary for you?
As I said already, I feel that Frank is one of the best. I want to fight the best. Frank is the champion and undefeated for a reason. I know as a champion he will be ready come July 13th and I look forward to it. It is not very often fans here get to actually see the best in a division face off against each other. It will be a fan’s treat July 13th.
Do you have any predictions for this one?
I have pictured this fight a lot of different ways just to prepare and be ready. I am ready for whatever I need to do in order to come out of the cage victorious with the belt.
Do you have any last words before the fight?
I would like to thank all of my friends, family/team mates and sponsors that helped me prepare for this fight. LBR promotions, Tanner Chiropractic, TD Trucking, Adcock Pipe and Supplies, CCISDPOA, VP Sales, LSA Firearms, Johnny Ds, Paragon/FCFA, and a special thanks to one of my partners Daniel Garza.
