By TXMMA Staff | Photo by Mike Calimbas
Plainview’s Eris Lunsford eager to go pro in front of West Texas crowd; Fights George Trujillo on August 23rd at LFC 22
PLAINVIEW, TX, August 12, 2013 – Finishing his standout amateur career with a 6-3 record and a title win (SCC, Galveston), West Texas native Eric Lunsford is now preparing to make his professional debut on August 23rd when he takes on fellow West Texan George Trujillo as part of the Legacy Fighting Championship 22 card set for the Lubbock Civic Center.
With the perspective of much experience traveling the road finding fights on the amateur level Eric will now be taking the next step and eager to do it on a big stage like Legacy’s West Texas debut.
Here’s more on his mindset prior to the fight.
Legacy Fighting Championship 22 – Eric Lunsford
Eric, how does it feel to finally be going pro later this month?
Words can’t explain how it feels. The things that my Family, and my team have gone through to get to this point, it’s a miracle and a gift from God.
You’ve had a lengthy amateur career with nine fights. How do you think that has prepared you for the pro ranks?
It’s like workin’ steel! I’ve been through everything in that cage. Don’t get me wrong I still have a lot to learn. But I can’t help but feel like I’m making the transition to pro with a lot of experience. My coach and his family have been wonderful in helping me gain that experience.
What was the highlight of your amateur career? What about the low point?
Hands down the Jeremy Hardy fight for the SCC Heavyweight title. Everything was on the line for me and at such a nice show. And I was able to bring my girlfriend; she helps me so much and never gets to travel with us. Hardy was an absolute monster and i expect to see him at the next level.
I would say my lowest point was when I hurt myself in my 3rd fight. I actually pulled out a split decision but destroyed my own ankle kicking legs incorrectly. I had to go to the ER and got suspended. I was laid up for a month and didn’t really know if I wanted to fight anymore. Then Coach called so I kept going.
Those both definitely seem like memorable experiences. Tell us a little more about your journey as a fighter.
My journey as a fighter has been pretty simple. Just a lot of training and competing. And praying. It’s expensive to be an Amateur Mixed Martial Artist. But I’ve been tested mentally and physically and it’s made me a better man, no doubt.
What’s life like out there in Plainview and in West Texas?
We have a lot of great people in Plainview. It’s a strong Christian community and we love our sports. I’ve been here almost 20 years now and I’d say its seen better days but it’ll always be home. Go Bulldogs. The MMA scene in West Texas is kind of quiet right now but that’s what’s so great because we have a lot of talent around here and were about explode onto the scene.
Do you have any specific thoughts on debuting for Legacy in West Texas?
Just that it’s a huge opportunity and I feel extremely blessed to get to debut with such a major promotion. I’m hoping to do well and maybe secure a future with Legacy FC.
What do you know about your opponent, George Trujillo? How do you expect this fight to go?
I’m actually friends with George Trujillo. George is a great guy and a hard worker so I expect him to come out and fight hard. I expect this fight to play out on the feet. I’ll be dominant there and if he chooses to take it to the ground ill beat him there as well. I’ll take no prisoners wherever the fight may be so he’ll have to pick his poison.
Any goals for your future as a pro?
Right now my main goal is to win this fight at Legacy FC 22 andd become a permanent fixture with a major promotion like Legacy.
Any last words for your opponent or the fans?
Just want say to my opponent good luck I know he’s worked hard. And I want to send a big thank you to my family, Xtreme Karate, local support, and Legacy for coming to West Texas. And a special thanks to my sponsors Hap Houchin Farms, Higher Power Electric, and David and Lori Stephenson!! Glory be to God.