FORT WORTH, TX, July 21, 2012 – Jesse Rodriguez Promotions comes to the Fort Worth Convention Center next Saturday, July 28th for their very first show, entitled Premier Fight Series. Headlined by top 145’ers Chas Skelly and Luis Vega, the show will also feature some up-and-coming fighters from the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
One of them is a US Marine by the name of Alex Madrid, who also happens to be the owner of Phalanx MMA Academy.
The thirty-year old California transplant is currently 1-0 as a pro after debuting this past April with a submission victory over Houstonian Yonny Osuna at Dominion Warrior Evolution.
He’ll be looking for his second pro win when he takes on Armando Herrera this Saturday.
Interview – Alex Madrid (Phalanx MMA)
Alex, tell us a little bit about your history as a fighter. How did you get into the sport?
I started BJJ in September of 2008 and started teaching myself striking in 2009. Let’s just say I was on the wrong course with my striking. In 2009 the Lord introduced Coach Durwyn Lamb into my life. I wanted to attempt an amateur MMA fight so with nine months of BJJ and a few months of Coach Lamb adjusting my striking skills I competed in my 1st amateur fight in Nov 2009 and won a Unanimous decision. I continued my BJJ training and striking and did an amateur fight on one weeks’ notice in 2011, where I won a split decision and won my pro debut April 2012 via rear naked choke. In 2011 I also fought two Muay Thai fights where I was 1-1 in the same night.
What else do you have going on besides training?
My biggest obstacle is running the gym, my wife going to law school, having three children, about to be 4 children Sep 25, keeping the house up, and spending quality time with my family and then training. There are not enough hours in the day. Luckily I have a great support system from my wife, family, friends, Phalanx Power house and most importantly Jesus Christ.
Do you have anyone you’d consider a mentor in this sport? Outside of it?
Coach Lamb is without a doubt the biggest mentor in my life when it comes to MMA. He teaches me the ins and outs of the sport but is a big factor in keeping me mentally and spiritually intact. I am truly thankful for him being my coach, mentor, brother and family.
How would describe your style as a fighter to the average fan?
To the average fan they will see me as a determined and aggressive warrior who is comfortable and confidant wherever the fight goes. A fighter who will take it to the limit and beyond to ensure my hand is raised at the end of the battle.
What’s your typical training day like?
My typical day is pro practice from 3:30 to 5:30 where we work 3rounds of jump rope, 3 rounds of shadow boxing, 5-8 five minute rounds of drills, strength and conditioning, boxing, kickboxing, takedowns etc… In-between classes that I teach at the gym I usually grab another 5-6 rounds of boxing or kickboxing. I also get extra cardio when I teach my boot camp classes.
Tell us about your last fight. What did you learn from it?
My last fight my opponent was extremely strong but I learned that technique over powers muscles any time. He hit me hard behind the ear but I walked right through them. And took him down and after a scramble he ended up on top. I am very comfortable working from the floor so he couldn’t hit me while I was on my back. The ref stood us up, we exchanged and the round ended with me having him in the clinch and working knees. The 2nd round I knew he was going to come out with a looping right so I caught it threw a right uppercut, left knee, right uppercut and a right hook where he went out and fell to the floor. He was out for a brief second so I didn’t jump on him to hit him again because I thought it was going to be called, so that was a mistake I’ll never make again. I ended up working ground and pound from North south then transferred to his back, sunk in my hooks and finished with a rear naked choke. He was a great opponent and a good person.
Who are you fighting next at Premier Fight Series 1 and what do you know about him?
I am fighting Armando Herrera who is 1-2-0. I do not know much about him but it is better that way for me because I am ready for anything. I am used to my opponents changing so I stay ready to fight whoever whenever. I am not trying to be cocky but it is just the way I train and the mindset I have to keep. I am not worried what my opponent can do to me but I am focused on what I am going to do to them to ensure a victory.
How do you feel heading into it? What’s driving you for this one?
I am feeling great moving into this fight. My weight is right on track and I am feeling physically great. Most importantly I am feeling mentally and spiritually strong.
My motivation is the Powerhouse, my teammates and coaches, the hours that were sacrificed by my family to let me train and all those involved in my life. This is for them. It’s also for the fans who want to see great entertaining fights. Where would we be without fans of the sport you know?
How do you picture this fight ending?
I see this fight ending with a stoppage from strikes. I’ll accept a technical submission or onslaught of aggressive and overwhelming ground and pound as well. I just want to win and ensure the fans get what they paid to see.
What are your thoughts on the rest of the card?
I think the whole card is packed and I am eager to watch the other fights as well. This is going to be an epic event here in Fort Worth. The days can’t come fast enough. Look out for my teammate Kashiff Solarin because he’s coming out aggressive, hungry and ready to put it down. 13.
What’s next for you after this?
I believe my next opponent will be Rashad Coulter. He was my original opponent but suffered a shoulder injury. My heart goes out to him because I know he was training extremely hard for this fight. We should meet Sept 8th for Dominion Warrior. I am looking forward to that match. He’s a great guy, game opponent and it will be a pleasure to face him.
Any last words before next Saturday?
Armando, looking forward to meeting you in the center of the cage, locking the doors and let’s get it. Nothing more to be said to after the match. thank you to all of my teammates and coaches Durwyn Lamb, Lisa Lamb, James Vick, Randy and Jason Villarreal, Tony Tipton, Kashiff Solarin, Jabari Shakur, Corey Washington, Forrest Curry and everyone else that has had part in getting me prepared. I love you all and to my beautiful wife Kelly, I adore you and love you with all my heart.