Sean Holden excited to face Lior Shporen at Legacy 13; August 17th at the Europa Get Fit and Sports Expo

PRINCETON, TX, August 8, 2012 – Making his first Legacy Fighting Championship appearance on Friday, August 17th is a fighter by the name of Sean Holden.

Priding himself on having a rugged blue-collar work ethic, Sean began as an amateur in mixed martial arts just two years ago in 2009 but he’s compiled fifteen fights at this level before finally turning pro this past December – winning by unanimous decision over fellow DFW fighter Wes Linsley.

Looking to improve to 2-0, Sean will step in at LEGACY 13 opposite debuting pro Lior Shporen – a fighter who has also gained much of his experience in the amateur ranks prior to this fight.

We caught to Sean recently to get his pre-fight thoughts.

LEGACY 13 Interview – Sean Holden (Imperial Fight Management)

Sean, thanks for talking to us prior to Legacy 13. Share some of your fighting history so our readers can get to know you a little better.

I had close to 15 amateur bouts. I went 9-4 and collected 3 different welterweight titles in 3 states (AR, OK, TX). Also, I trained out of a garage up until I was 8-4 and didn’t start jiu-jitsu until I was 5-2. There’s been a few memorable moments but the one I would have to say was most memorable was capturing my first amateur title for BACA down at QT park; not just because it was my 1st title, but because many people counted me out,  and I loved being that underdog achieving victory.

What’s life like outside the cage for you?

I’m an Independent Contractor for Lowes, so I am open to work six days a week and don’t know my work schedule until the night before. Other than that I live a pretty normal life. I’ve been married for just over a year and have 2 retriever dogs.

Is there anything else about you our readers may find interesting?

Only my close friends and training partners know I also play ice hockey and have a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Arkansas.

As far as MMA goes, what fuels you to become the best fighter you can be?

The number one thing that drives me would have to be not going back to a real day job while doing what I love. I’m just very fortunate to have a beautiful wife who supports me and is the very backbone that keeps me standing. This fight is the biggest fight of my career because I will be getting to showcase all the hard work I put into every training session in front of so many people.

How do you feel about fighting on a Legacy card in front of the Dallas fans?

It’s an honor and a privilege all at the same time. I’ve never been so pumped for a fight.

Tell us how you feel about your matchup specifically. What do you think of this fight with Lior Shporen?

I feel very confident in my match up at Legacy. I have seen him fight a few times. I think he is very strong but lacks a lot of technique which is where I’ll exploit him.

How’s camp been going for this fight?

This is the first fight where I have had eight weeks to prepare. I’ve had many sparring partners to help me in every aspect of the game. I’ve been smarter in not only training, but dieting as well.

How do you see this fight playing out in your mind? Any predictions?

I think this fight will be an all-out brawl or fast-paced bullying around the cage for the first round then I see myself winning in the 2nd by TKO/KO or submission. I do NOT see this fight going the distance.

Last words for Lior before you face off – what do tell him?

Don’t plan on any celebration parties ‘cause this is my time.

Final words before the fight. Anybody you want to thank or acknowledge?

First and foremost I would like to thank GOD, Jesus Christ my Lord and savior, then my family, friends and amazing wife Elizabeth. I would like to thank: Allen Mohler for teaching me BJJ and, with the help of Chris Jones and Cody Vidal, picking me up when I was at an ultimate low and ready to quit MMA all together; Coach Sayif Saud for opening his doors to me and continuously pushing me to be the best I can be; my strength and conditioning coach, Glen Killian; Mary Bell my nutritionist; all my training partners at Mohler BJJ/MMA, Octagon MMA, Team Takedown and the Imperial fighters; and the Man who has brought me to where I am today, taking me under his wing, coaching me, always being a friend, and lastly, being my manager, Matt Rossini. Also, a special thank you to my sponsors Draft Picks Bar and Grill, Lockout Supplements, Torque, Black Belt Shop, and The Warrior Training Ground, and Rudog Nutrition.