Jared Perez looking to graduate with a title win in hand; Fights this Saturday at PCG in San Antonio

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX, August 3, 2012 – Making the trip up I-37 north from Corpus to San Antonio this week is American Revolution’ s Jared Perez. He’ll be competing in the main event of  PCG’s Cowboys Extreme Cagefighting this Saturday night when he takes on Lester Clark for the PCG welterweight title.

Just like his opponent, Jared will be looking to correct his record after his last fight – a narrow decision loss to Beaumont’s Ryan Spann at Cage Combat 9 this past May.

He’s also got much more on his mind with his graduating from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi immediately following this bout.

We recently spoke to Jared to get his thoughts on this weekend’s title fight and everything else going on.

Interview – Jared Perez (American Revolution)

I know it’s been a busy week so thanks for taking the time to talk to us Jared. How are you feeling heading into Saturday’s fight at CEC?

I’m feeling good and confident.

How did you get started in Mixed Martial Arts? Tell us some of your origin story.

I started wrestling in 2002 at Ray High School in Corpus Christi, TX.  I wrestled all 4 years of high school. After I graduated, a friend who also wrestled invited me over to American Revolution where I later started teaching wrestling and it just kind of went from there.  I had my first kickboxing fight a little over two years ago in Oklahoma and won. During this time I was also training and competing in grappling tournaments.  I had my first MMA fight in San Antonio for Premier Combat Group in September 25 2010.

What moment sticks out the most for you so far?

That would have to be my 2^nd MMA fight.  I overcame a sloppy first round and won the last two rounds then came out with the unanimous decision win.   This fight was memorable for me because Maurice Smith walked out with me and watched my fight.  Also my teammate Dustin Adams and my teammate/girlfriend Paulina Granados also fought that night and we all won. It felt good to win in front of Maurice.

What’s been the most challenging aspect of being a fighter?

If you know me, you know that I really love food. I’ve learned how to control my eating habits especially when it’s getting close to fight time.  My first fight was at 170 and I had to cut 40 pounds in 3 weeks. That was crazy and extremely difficult for me because my dad barbecues on Sundays. <laughs>

Tell us a little bit about some of the fighters you look up to.

I look up to my teammates and instructors. – Dustin Adams, Freddy Medellin and Maurice Smith’s standup game, Locker Munsell and Chris Pecero’s ground game, Patrick Ybarra’s aggressiveness and assertiveness and Paulina’s toughness and heart.  They are all well rounded fighters but I try to emulate what I think are their strengths to create my own game

How would you describe your own style at this point? 

I like to think of myself as well-rounded fighter, I just keep myself prepared for wherever it will go.

What do the people close to you think of your fighting career? 

My friends think it’s cool but my family stresses because they don’t want me to get hurt.

What are some of your goals in this sport? What about outside of it? 

I want to keep winning! As far as outside of MMA, I will be graduating from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi on August 11, 2012 with a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and hopefully getting a job soon in Law Enforcement.  Hopefully I don’t have a black eye when I walk across the stage next weekend. <laughs>

Talking about the show at Cowboys Dance Hall this weekend – what can you tell us about the opponent you’ll be facing?

I am fighting Lester Clark and he’s 3-3 and that’s pretty much all I know. I’m not taking him for granted because he is getting this title shot for a reason. I’m fighting for my family, my team, and my awesome girlfriend. All I know is that I’ll be walking out with the win and the belt around my waist!!

Any last words before fight night?

I want to thank TXMMA and Mike Calimbas for allowing me to do this interview!, I would also like to give thanks to my sponsors, Furious Brand, Rocks Discount Vitamins N More, Results Personal Training, and TX Fight Magazine.  Thank you to all my friends and family for supporting me in everything I do.  Thanks to Freddy Medellin, Chris Pecero, Dustin Adams, Patrick Ybarra, Locker Munsell, Bill Vasquez, Edward Green, Stephan Rivas and everyone else at American Revolution for helping me prepare for this fight.  Last but not least, my girlfriend Paulina for everything she’s done for me from cooking my healthy meals and keeping me focused.  See you guys August 4th!