HOUSTON, TX, August 25, 2012 – Amateur mixed martial arts (MMA) returns to Houston tonight with Legacy Amateur Series 9 taking place at Houston’s Arena Theater.
Fans can expect twelve bouts of action tonight including two title bouts.
One of them featured Gracie Barra North Houston’s own Kody Williams taking on Eagle Pass-based challenger Paulo Alcozar for the Legacy amateur featherweight title as he looks to bring his ammy record to an undefeated 4-0.
We caught with Kody to get his thoughts on tonight’s title fight.
Interview – Kody Williams (Gracie Barra North Houston)
Kody, give us a quick summary on who are you as a fighter.
I’m just a competitor. I love to get out there and test my skills and find a way to win. I’ve had 3 fights so far and I’ve managed to come out on top each time. They may not have been the prettiest matches and they certainly haven’t lived up to my own expectations but I have been steadily improving.
My last fght was against a tough, experienced, scrappy guy named Martin Walker out of ATT Beaumont. He was very savvy standing up and on the mat and he really made me work hard for it but I was able to grind him out for the win. Since then it was back to training as usual, preparing for my next bout. I’m looking to make a lasting impression on August 25th.
I know you started off with an extensive wrestling base. How else have you improves lately?
I would say that my stand up has improved the most because I already had a solid grappling background before starting my MMA training. I’ve done a lot of work with Alex Morono and he has really helped me develop my striking.
Who are you fighting next and how do you feel about your matchup and your opponent?
My next fight is against Paulo Alcozer out of Martinez MMA and that is about the extent of my knowledge of him and I am perfectly content with that.
What goes through your mind the moment you step into the cage?
By the time I enter the cage I try to have cleared my mind completely. I know that I have put in the training and I just have to let myself perform. I won’t even acknowledge my opponent until the fight starts because in my mind it doesn’t matter what he does, the outcome is predetermined.
Have you done anything special to prepare for this fight?
Nothing out of the ordinary, just long, hard hours in the gym.
Any predictions for this fight?
My only prediction is victory. After this fight I will take a little time off and assess my situation and take it from there. The landscape in MMA is so fluid that it can be hard to make concrete plans.
Any last words?
I want to thank my family, especially my mom, for supporting me so far into my MMA career. Obviously I have to thank all of my coaches and training partners at GB North Houston for beating up on me these past few weeks and of course big thanks to TXMMA, especially you Mike, for taking the time to do this interview.
