AUSTIN, TX, May 24, 2013 – For newer fans of the sport specifically here in Texas, specifically those that just started paying attention in the last two years, it’s highly possible the name of fighter Adam Schindler doesn’t quite ring a bell. The thing about it is it’s not really the Austin based fighter’s fault. At 10-5, he’s got a respectable record and has fought on stages like Strikeforce and Bellator in the past but he’s also experienced his share of misfortune (read: severe ACL injury sustained last year vs. former TUF castmember Chase Hackett at F2W) and hasn’t fought in a year. So it’s easy to forget he’s just turned 30 and could still make a major mark in MMA here in Texas and beyond.
And that’s exactly what he intends to do starting with his bout vs. hometown favorite Chris Pecero on the main card of Legacy Fighting Championship 20, scheduled for May 31st in Corpus Christi.
Rehabilitating his knee for the past year while attending school full-time in Austin with the goal of transferring to UT next spring, Adam feels like all the pressure is off. He says the vibrant atmosphere of the city has rejuvenated him mentally and physically and that his body has now caught up and he’s ready to go.
“I’m just happy to be fight again,” says Adam one week ahead of his upcoming fight. “I used to put a lot of pressure on myself to win in my career because I was such a successful wrestler but now it’s like I have no pressure. I’ve had all the worst things happen to me so there’s nothing else to do but go out and have fun. I’ve prepared well so my mindset is confident. I’ve only had 1 loss where I prepared the right way, & that was the Ronnie Mann fight (in Bellator, May 2011). What nobody knows is I slipped a disc in my neck a week & a half before that fight too but what doesn’t kill you makes you better if that’s what you choose, & that’s how I’ve chosen to handle my setbacks.”
“Training has been amazing lately. I feel like a new fighter. I’ve matured exponentially mentally though this injury. I’ve been training under Elton Wells who is amazing. He does more & puts forth more effort for his fighters than any coach I’ve been around my entire life. He leads by example which is something that motivates me. Also Rodrigo Cabral is training my Jiu-Jitsu, he is phenomenal. Beyond that, camp has been awesome. Tim Kennedy is preparing for UFC 162; Colton Smith fights at UFC 160 this Saturday. Kamal Shalorous flew in for the last 6 weeks and he’s fighting in OneFC May 31; Yves (Edwards) has been in town with All-American Wrestler Steve Brown. Plus all the local talent at AMT&JJ… It’s been top notch.
“As far as Chris Pecero, I’ve seen some of his fights and I respect him. He has good all-around skills and I am excited to get in there & mix it up with a tough dude that loves to compete. We both like to fight. He has tight kickboxing & I’ve really been working on my stand up game that no one has really seen in 2 years. Obviously I stack up best on the ground. I have the best wrestling in Texas MMA and I’m a solid brown belt going on three years now. I just get excited (thinking about this fifhgt. I see it going lots of ways but my last fight went the only way I didn’t see happening, so it really doesn’t matter. I feel I will win, I feel I will finish. I’m just elated to have the opportunity again after such a heartbreaking incident and shitty birthday gift to myself last tear. I’m focused on one fight at a time but I’m going on a winning streak. I’d like to continue to fight for Legacy and be the champion, then go on to the UFC. Those of you who remember the old me, watch closely and pay attention. I am a whole new animal. Thanks to all my supporters and I’ll see you guys next week.”