Despite the fact that he’s fought at a higher work rate than most and hasn’t gone more than two months without a fight since turning pro in February 2010, he simply doesn’t feel he gets the respect he deserves.
“I truly feel like fighting is my calling in life,” Randy says. Despite the fact that he and his brother/manager Jason have been criticized for his ‘strength of schedule’ and taking fights others may not be willing to take or wouldn’t be advised to take, the pair remains undaunted and immune to criticism.
Jason once said that in order for Randy to be the best, he’s got to continue fighting the best. That’s his philosophy in helping manage his brother’s career – that real fighters don’t duck and hide and that they don’t go overboard in trying to protect their records.
The pair live for memories such as Randy’s fight with then 20-4 Zach George last May. Taking the fight on ten days’ notice two weight classes above his normal class, he was nonetheless able to secure the win with a first round submission.
That bout and the rest if his unforgiving 2011 schedule earned him the distinction of 2011 TXMMA Ironman of the Year.
Those are the moments they cherish most. They live for the fight. And for Randy, his philosophy is simple.
“I must give it all I got right now so when my time is up in the sport, I can say I gave it my all and I can be satisfied with everything I accomplished.”
With that in mind, Randy trains six days a week. He is usually found still at the gym teaching when he’s not putting in work for himself.
“I just had a fight last month for STFC against Saul Elizondo and I beat him up the whole fight only to be robbed by the judges. I’m not going to dwell on that though because I’m only focused on defeating Ryan Benoit Friday night. It feels really good to not only be fighting for Legacy, but to be fighting on the main card in front of a national audience is truly an honor and I gotta thank Mick Maynard for this opportunity. This is my chance to get my career back on track after all the bad breaks I’ve caught in the past year.”
“I feel Ryan is a tough durable opponent and I feel really confident and comfortable with this matchup. I’m ready for him so make sure you tune to see me with my hand raised, victorious. For all the fans, thank y’all so much for not only supporting me, but all fighters as well. From what I read, every fighter feels their fight will be fight of the night so ya’ll are definitely in for a treat come Friday night!”
Fighter Acknowledgments
I’d like to thank God first and foremost for giving me life every day and giving me the opportunity to do what i love for a living. I’d like to thank all my Coaches: Tony Tipton, Albert Hughes, Coach Javad and Coach Sina over at Ironside and last but not least I’d like to thank Durwyn Lamb for not only coaching me but mentoring me with fighting and life in general. I appreciate all the work y’all put into me and I will make y’all proud. I’d also like to thank all of my sponsors for my fight: Pressure Brand, Arc Angels Tattoo Shop, Tregellas Auto Group, Baby Jay’s restaurant, and Marcos Pizza! Also my manager and brother Jason Villarreal for always getting me fights and always helping me out. – Randy Villarreal