“The Silverback” Roger Narvaez looks to take pro record to 4-0 at “Blood & Glory” next Saturday in Robstown, TX

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX, August 19, 2012 – The next significant professional MMA event in South Texas is less than a week away with Rock’s King of Supplements presenting “Blood & Glory” to fans next Saturday in Robstown, TX.

There’s a lot of solid names on this card but one to look forward to is “The Silverback” Roger Narvaez.

A BJJ brown belt out of Paragon BJJ and a Corpus Christi Firefighter, he has proven himself to be a top prospect in past fights and is currently 3-0 as a pro after a standout 4-0 amateur career.

He’ll be taking on Aaron Glynn next Saturday as his latest test this Saturday. We recently spoke to him about this bout.

Interview – Roger “Silverback” Narvaez (Paragon / FCFA)

Roger, describe who you are as a fighter and person.

My name is Roger “The Silverback” Narvaez. I am a 28 year old Corpus Christi Firefighter. I have an awesome family that supports me in my goal of being the best fighter I can be. I have a stepson named Enrique who does BJJ and my 6 month old Cynthia who already has her first GI. My wife Brandi will actually be competing in her first tournament this weekend at Europa. I guess you can say that fighting is in the Narvaez family blood. As a fighter I consider myself to be dangerous anywhere the fight goes. My hands are good and my jits is better so anywhere the fight takes place I am comfortable. I am very intense and it shows in my fighting style. Whether it be standing or on the ground I have one purpose and that is to finish my opponent. Winning a decision proves nothing to me at this point in my career.

When did you start fighting and how has your career gone so far?

I started fighting about 3 years ago. I had 4 amateur in which none went past round 1. I turned pro last October and so far the results have been the same. Currently I am undefeated as a pro at 3-0. I train hard and don’t plan on losing that 0 anytime soon.

Describe your last fight at UWF for us. How was it to fight in Corpus?

My last fight took place in my hometown of Corpus Christi and it was for The Ultimate Warrior Tournament finale. I fought against Larry Hopkins who actually took the fight on 4 days’ notice. I was scheduled to fight Andre Kavanaugh but he backed out 5 days before the fight. The fight started off well and things went the way we planned. I did make a mistake and fell off of Larry’s back but was able to transition to a quick armbar for the finish. Overall it was a good win to have in front of the hometown crowd.

How do you think you’ve improved most since you started training?

I think I have improved all around as a fighter but the thing that stands out the most is the mental part of the fight. It is almost impossible to not let your emotions and adrenaline get the best of you when you are first starting out. Over the past 7 fights I have been able to take charge of those emotions and use them during the fight when the time is right. It may sound cliché but the mental part of fighting is the most crucial part. Without the mind the body will fail, no matter how strong.

What’s one thing not a lot of people may know about you that’s interesting?

The one thing that a lot of people probably don’t know is that I hate roller coasters…<laughs>. My wife always clowns me but what can I say, I a wimp when it comes to amusement park rides.

What goes through your mind the moment you step in and see your opponent across from you?

The moment I step in the cage I do my gorilla stomp (3 stomps with the right foot) to let my opponent now he has entered my home uninvited. . Once I lock eyes I let my opponent know he is in for a war. All the nerves leave my body and it’s as if a cloud of focus and clarity comes over me. Then it’s time to fight!!!

Who are you fighting next and how do you feel about your matchup and your opponent?

I am fighting Aaron Glynn out of the DFW area. I don’t know much about him other than he TKO’d his last opponent in the first round. I’m sure he is going to be a tough fight but I am ready for whatever he throws at me.

Can you tell us a little bit about your preparations for this one?

Preparations have been pretty much the same. I do my cardio/conditioning with my coach Hector Gutierrez (Hardstyle Kettlebell Club) twice a week in the morn then usually work my technical boxing. The other days I focus on jiu jitsu or other cardio in the morn sessions. Then in the afternoon I train with the other beast at Full Contact Fight Academy. That usually consists of some type of sparring, wrestling, or ground n pound. All together I train anywhere from 25-30 hours a week. Like I have said before, I train way too much and too hard to lose a fight anytime soon.

How do you see this fight playing out? Any predictions?

As usual the only prediction I give is one where my hand is raised at the end of the fight.

If you had to give last words to your opponent before the fight, what would you tell him?

It’s not personal but I am not looking to smile, shake hands, and hug before the fight. He is going to try and hurt me and I am going to do the same. I am all for sportsmanship and glove touches but that is as friendly as it gets prefight. Afterwards I buy him and his corners a beer but until then it’s on! All I have to say to Aaron is let’s put on a good fight and give these people what they are paying to see.

What’s next for you after this fight? Any plans?

Honestly after this fight it may be time for a lil’ break. This will be my 4th fight within a year so I really haven’t had time to spend with the family. Life is too short to miss out on the small things.

Any last words?

I just want to thank God because even though I come up short on a daily basis I know He is my savior and without Him I am nothing and through Him I can do anything. I also want to thank my family, and friends who support me. Especially my wife and kids because they are the ones that time gets taken away from. Last but not least all my sponsors that continue to show me support. Hardstlye Kettlebell Club, TD trucking, Jeff Illseng, Takeaway Gourmet and Bowdown Fight Company. Thanks to all and much love.