DALLAS, TX, August 14, 2012 – They call him “Baby Face” but don’t let that moniker fool you Ryan Benoit is nowhere near as warm and caring as his R&B namesake Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, at least not in the cage anyways.
Years of training with mentor Saekson Janjira has caused to be anything but, instead gearing towards becoming a fighter hell-bent on methodically dismantling his opponents
Truthfully, Ryan is a pretty nice guy. One of the things he prides himself on most is his ability to pass on his mixed martial arts knowledge to those willing to learn from him. He’s got a lot of it too after years and years of training in multiple disciplines in addition to his work with Janjira.
And as far as his own fight career, he definitely comes off more humble than anything, despite the fact that we’d consider him one of the Texas prospects to watch out for in the bantamweight division.
He did much to validate that ‘top prospect’ distinction with his first round submission victory over equally highly-touted Cody Williams in his promotional debut at Legacy 11.
Now he’ll look to do add even more fuel to that fire when he takes on his most experienced opponent yet in Randy Villarreal this Friday night.
Here are his pre-fight thoughts prior to his Legacy 13 bout at the Dallas Convention Center and LIVE on AXS.TV.
Interview – Ryan “Babyface” Benoit (Saekson Janjira)
Hey what’s up Ryan. How are you feeling heading into your second fight with the Legacy Fighting Championship this Friday?
It feels great to be on the Legacy card again and I’m very proud to be a part of the organization. I’m also very proud that I will be a part of their first event in Dallas! This is huge and I’m honored that they wanted me on the card.
Looking back, how did winning that last fight against Cody Williams feel for you?
I have fought some pretty tough opponents already but that was a big test for me being the underdog. I think i finally put myself out there as a striker and on the ground. It was my first live televised event and it was a great feeling to win.
What would you say motivates you to pursue success in this sport?
I just want to be the best I can possibly be. I want to be the person that everyone looks up to and the one that amazes people with my skills, success, and hard work. That’s why every fight is important to me. The only thing that changes is who is watching. This one is on TV which is great and in my home town but I will still fight the way I fight regardless.
How do you feel about this matchup with Randy Villarreal?
I feel it’s a great match up and I’m very happy with it. I think Randy and I are probably the two hungriest guys around and neither of us is scared to fight.
Can you give us some insight on your training camp heading into this one?
I like to stay busy in whatever I’m doing and I’m always trying to grow as a person and become successful in whatever it is I’m doing. Fighting is something that I love to do and for now I’m trying to make it my life. I teach at Title Boxing Club in McKinney in my hometown, North Dallas and at Octagon MMA. I love the gyms and I love the people at the gym it’s great to be able to share what I know with everyone.
As far as specifics, my preparations are mostly the same as always. I don’t like to change up to much from every camp because that’s what makes my style unique is how I train and fight. I am always working on my stand up and training with the best possible guys in the area.
Any predictions for Friday? What can we expect?
I see myself winning for sure, it’s a great fight but i feel i am the more skilled and stronger opponent and i think i will finish the fight.
Any last words or acknowledgements?
I wanna thank God for giving me the opportunity to be here again, My Manager Matt Rossini from Imperial Fight Management, My second father Saekson Janjira, all my brothers from the gym who help me get ready. Jason Sampson, Will C, and Johnny Bedford, thank you guys for being there for me and helping me get ready. Also thanks to Title Boxing Club for supporting me and promoting me for my events.
