By Felix Rodriguez, Staff Writer
Legacy FC 18 Pre-Fight Interview – Chris “Celtic Tiger” Reed
TXMMA: Have you had to save any more women from abusive men since we last spoke?
CR: Ha, no no. None lately. Thank goodness.
TXMMA: Your last fight was a main event fight that you took on extremely short notice, what lessons did you gain from being in the main event of a televised card?
CR: Actually it wasn’t really too short of notice I don’t think. I felt very good in that fight, and better mentally than I have ever. The game plan was to rush him against the cage and back off to strike. I just didn’t realize when we were that close to the cage. He shot a single on my left leg and I sprawled out. But when I put my right leg up to stand, for God sakes the guys 6 ft wingspan caught my leg and down we went. I have never had that happen before. His arms are incredibly long. I knew once I was on my back I was in BIG trouble. I couldn’t move him so I just threw elbows hoping to catch one. But the guy (Drysdale) is really that good. When he fully mounted me I just said to myself man just beat me up don’t armbar me don’t… then he arm barred me.
TXMMA: You were able to make weight for your last fight whereas your opponent came in a good bit heavier than you did, can you give us the inside scoop on that whole situation?
CR: I have never missed weight in any type of event. I make a promise to the promoter and my opponent and no way I would break that. Period. He was about 5 lbs over; I know he was trying to cut it hard because he looked like crap. I didn’t want the situation to make a scene, after all we are the main event people are watching 5 lbs wasn’t going to dictate the winner. I also knew he would catch enough slack for not making weight from the media etc there was no reason to make it worse. It’s not my style to push the issue. So I accepted the weight as is. I am sure he has or will learn from it as to the importance of making weight.
TXMMA: How do you feel leading into this fight?
CR: Man I really feel good. My nutrition has been on point since I started Fitness VT. It makes such a difference. Training has been great too. It’s just too bad that I waited until I was 44 to be smart at fight camps, weight cut, preparation etc. I could have used some of this knowledge when I was younger.
TXMMA: For fight fans haven’t gotten to see you fight yet, how would you describe yourself as a fighter style-wise who do you think your style compares to that our readers might know from the UFC?
CR: I would say that primarily I am a wrestler, but the difference is I don’t lay and pray. I strike from the ground I am not worried so much about control. My striking will either open a submission or give me the TKO I don’t mind which one. I really like to strike from the ground and I think it’s an art all of its own. Comparing myself to a UFC Fighter would probably have to be Tito, or Dan Henderson.
TXMMA: What has been the greatest learning experience for you so far inside the cage/outside of it?
CR: That is the coolest part of all/ We learn every day we train or fight. I think that the greatest would have to be the importance of proper nutrition and how to prepare for a fight. I have learned to train smart and not always hard. I have been fortunate to have never had to cancel a fight for injury.
TXMMA: Who are you fighting and how do you feel about this matchup?
CR: I’m fighting Jermaine Anguwom. He’s a good young fighter out of College Station. Primarily [he’s] a Muay Thai fighter, but I think some people underestimate his ground game. Either way he’s young and very athletic, he has a lot of experience for his age too. It will be interesting I feel good about the matchup but I always do so that won’t help much in giving you insight I know. I want my last fight to be a crowd-pleaser. I do not plan on being overly conservative in this fight. Win or lose, this is going to be a good war.
TXMMA: Can you tell us a little bit about your preparations? Who is helping you get ready now that you have a full camp what have you done different to prepare for this fight than the last?
CR: I train at Furia Training Center primarily (formerly 646 MMA) under Jason Carter. I also train and spar at Rogue with Chad Cook and the big boys. I am also one of the owners of Third Coast Wrestling so I get a lot done there too – teaching and training in wrestling 2-4 times per week. I think training in the pure sport of wrestling helps me tremendously.
TXMMA: If you had to make a prediction for this fight, how do you see it playing out?
CR: I think like most of my wins it will be a TKO or KO, standing or on the ground I’ll let him choose that one.
TXMMA: If you had to give last words to your opponent before the fight, what would you tell him?
CR: That I appreciate the opportunity and that he is a man of his word, signed the contract and showed up to the fight. We’ll get a drink or two afterwards, and don’t take it personal. Because although I am a nice guy day to day in the cage it’s a sport to me. I don’t see a guy I see a target and I go after the target until it stops moving.
TXMMA: Is it true you are retiring? What will life after fighting be like for you?
CR: This is it for me brother. I know I have said it before but I’m done inside the cage. This is my 4th fight camp in the past year and that’s just too much. I will always want some role in the game whether with the Boxing Commission or somewhere else. I have considered refereeing, who knows, maybe someone will call me. The only thing I am sure is it won’t be ME in the cage unless I am cornering someone.
TXMMA: How do you plan to celebrate your last professional fight?
CR: Well I have to work Monday so Disney World is out of the question. I am having my after party at 2 a days in Pearland. I hope to see everyone there, but AFTER the other fights because this card is stacked and I don’t want to miss any of it!
TXMMA: Any last words?
CR: Yes sir, I would like to thank too many people actually. Mick for the opportunity, Ragan for everything he has done, that guy is outstanding. Everyone from TXMMA, and TCD (RIP) for keeping the grass roots alive! My training partners everyone at Rogue and Furia Training Center. My family for being understanding and letting me pursue my dream. All the fans that buy tickets and my shirts and have always had faith in me!
Follow me @theceltictiger.
Note: for this fight I have forgone sponsors and will be wearing my favorite charities and causes on my shorts and banner in hopes to give them some recognition for what they do for others. They are the true warriors!
#saveolympicwrestling
Legacy FC 18 will take place March 1st. The main event will air live on AXS TV from the Arena Theater in Houston, TX at 10:00pm (ET)/9:00pm (CT).