As one of the featured attractions of the evening, Lara will be taking on another experienced amateur in Kolton Englund for the much-coveted Legacy 155 lbs. amateur belt. It’s a fight he has been looking forward to for some time – against an opponent that already has two belts to his name and is looking for a third. Certainly a challenge indeed but one the Saul Soliz-trained fighter is looking forward to.
We recently caught up with Luis Lara ahead of this Saturday night’s event at Houston’s Arena Theater:
Legacy Amateur Series 11 Interview – Luis Lara (Metro Fight Club)
Thanks for taking the time to speak to us Luis. How do you feel about this fight coming up on Saturday at Legacy Amateur Series 11?
I’ve been looking forward to this fight for quite some time now. The fact that it is another championship fight for me and that if I heard correctly it will be on TV does not put added pressure but has been my motivation to work that much harder. I’m competing because I’ve been an active person, I just happen to love MMA, and the people I work with at my gym make it at times intense, but very enjoyable and a great learning experience.
How have you improved since you first started? Where do you think you are now in your development?
I’m still learning. I’m the guy who trades a normal life for kicks and punches. I’m young and have a bright future ahead of me in whatever I choose to do making the most out of life.
What’s been the toughest thing about trying to make it in MMA so far for you?
So far my greatest challenge has been the beginning. It was tough coming into the gym 5-6 days a week, only to get beat up on, to have yourself pushed every day, come home exhausted, but eventually I got used to it, and now my body and mind are able to handle it, which allows me to get better every day.
Do you have any favorite moments so far?
I’ve had a bunch of memorable moments training and competition, but definitely winning my 1st fight was most memorable. To get your hand raised after all the hard work you’ve put in is a feeling like no other.
What was your last fight like and what have you been up to since then?
I fought a guy named Marcus St.-German. That went in my favor with a second round submission. Ever since that fight I’ve been trying to get back in the cage, but as you may or may not know, the last two opponents dropped out of the fight literally on the verge of making it to the weigh ins.
Moving on to Saturday night – how do you feel about this fight against Kolton Englund?
I know he’s got good striking, and I feel confident in this match up and hope the crowd enjoys two warriors going to war. Training has been tough. I’ve learned an incredible amount of stuff from everyone while getting my limits pushed. This fight can go any way really. All I can say is I’m more than ready to go past five rounds so if I have to I’ll take it to him for all the time I need. As far as Kolton, I’ve met the guy in person before and he’s a cool dude. I don’t got anything bad to say to the guy except good luck, you’re going to need it.
Any last words before Saturday?
I like to thank Metro Fight Club, thank everybody that shows love and supports what I’m doing, my family and closest friends for being there for me. I’d like to thank Subway and meal replacements for making my dieting a little easier, and a hope everybody can make it to the show!