NEW BRAUNSFELS, TX, January 14, 2013 – We recently caught up with Billy Buch (3-1) of Warrior’s Edge and Rodrigo Pinheiro BJJ leading up to his February 1st fight for the Legacy Fighting Championship at LFC 17 in San Antonio.
A lifelong martial artist and pro MMA fighter since July 2010, Billy “Boojitsu” Buch has experienced his share of success so far in the MMA world with three straight wins to start his pro career before a controversial DQ loss to Jonathan Lopez this past October.
Now looking to make things right, he’ll be taking another top prospect in Corpus Christi’s Patrick Ybarra – a fighter who’s ended all three of his own pro fights by the same move – the armbar. Fighting in front of his hometown crowd, Buch likely has some submission plans of his own for Legacy Fighting Championship 17.
Read on and get the rest of his pre-fight thoughts and learn a little about his background before fight night.
Interview – Billy “Boojitsu” Buch (RPBJJ / Warrior’s Edge)
Thanks for talking to us Billy. Tell us a little bit about your combat sports background up to this point.
My folks put me in Karate when I was 6. When I was 16 I hooked up with Chris Lopez Sr. and Jeff Bonugli of Soryu Karate. They put me in several full contact kick boxing matches and I eventually earned my 2nd degree black belt from them. After that I met Kru Vong at San Antonio Muay Thai and began my training there. That led me to Mike Rangel’s vale tudo gym where I stayed for a few years. I also met Kyle Cress there who took me in as his student and life has never been the same since. Kyle is not only my teacher, but my mentor and brother. I’d be nowhere without Mr. Cress. We both also train with multiple time world BJJ champion, Rodrigo Pinheiro at RPBJJ.
How about MMA – what drew you in to this sport and what kind of fighter would you describe yourself as?
Most people think MMA is an every man for himself sport. That couldn’t be further from the truth. You are nothing without your team, training partners, and coaches. I guess i like the camaraderie and brotherhood this sport produces. Every day is a new learning experience for me. I will always be a student of the game. I’m like a sponge. I just can’t get enough.As far as styles, I’m not a ground guy. I’m not a standup guy. I’m both. Mix that in with a little crazy and there you have it. Me.
What’s life like outside of fighting for you?
Outside of the cage I’m am very fortunate to be able to teach what I love the most. Martial Arts. Bubba Norton gave me the chance of a life time to run the MMA and NOGI programs at Warriors Edge in New Braunfels. If you’re in the area and not training with us, you’re not really training. Other than that, Call of Duty on Xbox, Concerts with my peeps, and chilling with my pit bull, Bowser.
I heard your last fight was a bit controversial. Tell us how it went down?
It’s simple. The ref made a bad call. She thought the first kick was low (the video showed it was clean) and wanted the fight stopped. But she was too far away and the head kick that came after was already thrown and left the guy unable to continue. All the rules meetings before the fight say to continue to fight until stopped by the ref. Well she didn’t stop me until after the kick was landed. She didn’t know what to do, it was obvious, and so she DQ’d me. So as of now, the only blemish on my record is by DQ in a fight I never even got hit in. Haha… whatever.
How important is it for you to bounce back from that first loss as a pro.
It’s very important to get the W at Legacy17. My record should be 4-0, not 3-1, and I for sure don’t want it to be 3-2. Plus there are some big names on this card. So who knows who will be out there to scout out fighters for future opportunities?
How do you feel about for Legacy in your hometown?
It’s really an honor to be asked to fight for Legacy. And an honor in its self to be on a card with so many big name fighters. Want to thank Mick for the opportunity. I have a great support team in NB and SA. Everyone always comes out to support and in return I need to give them the excitement they deserve. If you know me, you know i pour my heart and soul into every training camp and fight. I just don’t want to let anyone down. Not to mention myself.
What can you tell us about your opponent?
My opponent is Patrick Ybarra. Looks like a tough, undefeated guy. I think it’s going to be a great fight for the fans.
Can you tell us a little bit about your preparations? Who is helping you get ready?
I have my usual team at Warriors Edge that i train with every day. Of course Kyle Cress is my main man and Rodrigo and all the RPBJJ guys as well. We won’t talk about the secret ninja training on the side. Ha!
How do you see this fight playing out in your mind? Any predictions?
I never promise a victory, but i always promise to give you everything I have. I put my life on the line in there and I’m sure Patrick will do the same. I expect a war in that cage and i damn sure have been training for one. At the end of the night my hand will be raised, again.
Any other plans for 2013 after this one?
I take fights as they come. I never call anyone out, that’s not my job and I’m not in the WWE, “brother” <Hulk Hogan reference> I just want to stay active while i can and make some money in the process.
Any last words?
I just want to thank everyone that always been there for me. Friends, family, and all my hooligan brothers and sisters. Thanks also to my sponsors. Stratton sports and spine, Honor FG, El Nopalito #2, WNC supplements, Buffalo Wings n Rings, Scrap Soldier Clothing, and MK Designs. And of course all my training partners mentioned above.