DALLAS, TX, March 18, 2013 – When it comes to fighters all over the state of Texas that have reached a boiling point of frustration, Octagon MMA’s Rashad Coulter may rank somewhere near the top of the list due to one very simple reason – he can’t get fights. To clarify, he’s a very marketable fighter, as much of a gentleman outside the cage as a devastating puncher inside of it, but for reason or another his fights just always seem to fall through.
Rashad Coulter last fought way back in November 2011, back when the Shark Fights organization was still somewhat of a legitimate entity in the world of MMA. It was then in Lubbock that he bested Allen Watson by third round TKO after taking the fight on one day’s notice and having to cut 15 lbs. in 24 hours. He actually broke his foot in the second round of that one too (another example of bad luck) but he pushed through for the victory. Now he’s looking to push through again as he is set to take on Phalanx MMA’s Derek Perkins at XKO 18 this Saturday night in Arlington.
”My biggest challenge in MMA so far has really been fighting consistently,” he says about the last year and a half. I’ve wanted to fight like every 2 months or 3 months but it just hasn’t happened. For one reason or another, fights keep falling through. I’m still the same brutal-style fighter I have always had in my heart though. And I’ve learned to be patient. At this point in my life and fight career I believe I’m a more of a humble and patient person in life now due to the lessons my mistakes (in and out of the cage) have taught me. For a while I lost a lot of drive for training because I was going through a break up, fights were getting cancelled and I wasn’t fighting on big shows. The devil tried to play on my mind But I’m back now focused and determined to stay a winner. I will go as far as my mind allows me to go and whatever accomplishments God has for me in this sport I will just simply be a recipient of Glory.”
As far as his in-cage performances go, Rashad has won all three of his previous bouts by KO/TKO but he’s taken the time to brush up on his ground game. According to him, he’d rather stand and strike as usual on Saturday, March 23rd at XKO 18 but he’ll use his entire arsenal if necessary.
“I have been just working a lot on ground and wrestling since majority of the guys want to hug in MMA these days. But I must admit the ground and wrestling is no joke it will make a man out of you. I’m still a baby in this sport. My coach keeps high level UFC guys coming in so I guess every month I just look forward to who I can expect to see next month. It just keeps going that way and I’m just trying to be consistent that way. This (next fight) is just another sparring session except I can really make this man pay for actually accepting the fight like I’m just some kind of chump. I just think hurt him, make him wish this was over as soon as possible. I just want to win and I will strive for victory by any means necessary. I believe it’s a good match up. He (Derek Perkins) likes to stand. He is very calm, relaxed and throws straight punches. He has a long reach so I believe this will be a fight that people actually want to come and watch. This will be an exciting fight. I don’t make predictions man because all it takes is one punch but I will go in there and do what I’ve been trained to do.”
“No disrespect to my opponent or any of my last opponents but after this my plan is to take a step up in competition – make a run for a belt get my name out there. I want to fight for big shows on AXS TV & on PPV. It’s time to make life changing moves for my 2 sons.”
Fighter Acknowledgements
I would like to give all my honor to my Lord and savior Jesus Christ. He is truly my rock and have had to lean on him this past year. I would like to thank Jayvian and Jaden my babies they keep me living man. Carl Graham at csportsgear and their challenge suit, Jerome Givens owner of Jerome’s Gym, Octagon, Saekson’s and Ohana Warrior and all my training partners and my friends who have truly been there this past year for me. I am Blessed. – Rashad Coulter