HOUSTON, TX, October 19, 2012 – “At this point in my career I feel that I have reached a point of no return,” says Artenas “Machine Gun” Young ahead of this Saturday’s IMKF “Tournament of Immortality” first round.
Aside from the $15,000 prize that awaits him should he make it past all the other hungry fighters in the grand prix, Young is also looking to come back from his last loss (to Noel Ligon at Legacy FC 12) and make sure the fans and those that matter in the sport still see him as a force to be contended with and someone that can still make a run at the top of the game.
“I’m driven man. I want to be known as one of the very best to ever step into the cage. I want to show my daughters that it’s possible to work hard and make dreams come true if you just work hard enough to persevere. It takes time and dedication to become the best and rise up the charts. This journey isn’t easy and I’ve personally made many sacrifices and lost valuable things along the way so I can continue to fight and live this dream.”
Making the decision to train year round and spend nearly six hours a day in the gym not too long ago, Young feels like he’s really made some gains as a fighter. He’s always been athletic and has been known as an excellent counter-puncher but a renewed sense of discipline has him feeling better all the way around as far as his game goes. So much so that he truly believes he will be a detriment to any opponent that steps in his way from here on out.
Next up in the IMKF 4 “Tournament of Immortality” is supposed to Brandon Mitchell, a Muay-Thai stylist out of Dallas.
It really doesn’t matter who it is though, says Artenas who adds that he personally doesn’t have much respect for him (Mitchell) or anybody else he’ll face in this tournament.
“I don’t feel that anybody here is on my level and I intend on showing that.”
“This camp has been fun. I never knew or even really thought I could make it to 170 so the trip down has been pretty self-rewarding. I can’t believe I’ve gotten even faster and I’m still staying strong. I’m already my victory and seeing my opponent’s destruction. This fight is going to be all me, all the time. Aggression, aggression, and more aggression is my focus. We Are Mgnation!!”
