The 34 year old will be looking to build off two wins in a row since debuting as a pro back in December 2011 with a loss to Donnie Bell. He went an impressive 5-0 as an amateur prior to that and he’ll now be taking debut fighter Daniel Polomsky this Saturday night in Arlington at the GYM.
Read on and get Armando’s thoughts on XKO 17 and everything else leading up to this fight.
XKO 17 Interview – Armando “Latin Assassin” Servin
Happy New Year to you Armando. What’s your theme for 2013 as it relates to MMA?
Happy New Year to you too Mike! May you have a successful 2013 and thank you for taking the time to interview me. My theme for 2013 is making all the right moves pertaining to my fighting career. The time frame for fighting at a professional level is small one and it’s all about making the right moves, training the right way, marketing, entertaining the fans etc.
Give us a quick summary of who you are as a fighter and person at this point in your career.
As a fighter I’m focused on learning, adapting and evolving. The key factor for me is continued, productive and measurable growth. As a person my main priority is family, health and to continue to further my education or escalate the corporate ladder.
You’re 2-1 heading into this next fight with your only loss being to Donnie Bell in your debut. What did you learn from that fight?
I learned I didn’t have the appropriate MMA related support system at Alvarez Jiu-Jitsu. I joined Jose Reyes Jiu-Jitsu. Upon training at Reyes I realized I had major deficiencies in certain aspects of my fighting arsenal. Looking back I am glad I made the move. Changes were made and I’m back on track.
How do you think you’ve improved most since then?
Major improvement was in communication with my instructor. Jose and I exchange ideology towards fighting freely and without personal biases. We analyze my performances and look to add or even take away certain tactics. He’s a fantastic Jiu-Jitsu instructor. He understands a fighter’s mentality. My dear striking coach George Prevalsky also made some adjustments to my striking game. I feel extremely confident; steps were taken in the right direction.
What’s one thing not a lot of people may know about you that’s interesting?
I lot of people don’t know that I was extremely overweight when I decided to start fighting. I remember I weighed around 240 lbs. I hit rock bottom and realized I needed to change my lifestyle, when we measured my then 8 month pregnant wife’s’ belly and mine was bigger than hers!!!! From one day to the next, I got off the couch and hit the pavement running and said goodbye to all junk food and fast food restaurants. True story.
This next fight at KXO 17 – what are you hoping to show the fans about yourself as a fighter?
The fans will get what they paid for.
You’re fighting a debut fighter. Do you feel that is a good thing or a disadvantage?
Neither. A fight is a fight. There’s nothing complex about it. The better fighter will win.
Can you tell us a little bit about your preparations? Who’s helped you?
Every fight starts standing up so your striking game has to always be on point and thanks to George Prevalsky it is, where it needs to be. Jose Reyes has prepared me for the ground aspect of this fight. Last but not least all my training partners, Delis Borges, Francisco De los Cobos, Antwan Williams, Joseph Salas, Federico Oliveria , Brett Grayson, Rogelio, Gregg(From New York) Eliazar Rodriguez, JJ Padullon, Joey Soto, Donnie Bell, Olu Ogunsola, Bhaskar Sai, Alvis, Samuel Snow, Andrea and many others. Thank you my friends.
How do you see this fight playing out in your mind? Any predictions?
We will fight ……….and we will see.
If you had to give last words to your opponent before the fight, what would you tell him?
There’s nothing to say.
What’s next for you after this fight? Any plans?
Follow my life journey on twitter @latinassassin1 and I will genuinely share my life and plans with you.
Any last words?
Last words? What…. Am I going to The Battle of Little Big Horn? Come watch us fight on XKO 17 you will have a blast!! Get your tickets at www.cagetix.com and select my name. Visit my website www.thelatinassassin.net. Thank you for the support!!!!