By Felix Rodriguez, Staff Writer
MMA Writer Mark Carrillo eschews pen for stepping into the cage
BRYAN / COLLEGE STATION, TX, August 27, 2013 – In the Texas ,oxed martial arts community Mark Carrillo is primarily known for his contributions as an MMA writer, but that is all going to change very soon. Carrillo (amateur 0-0) will be stepping into the cage for the very first time against Ramon Nanes this Saturday, August 31st. The lightweight bout will take place at the Brazos Center during the preliminary card of CDM’s Elite Amateur Combat 6. TXMMA sat down with the Bryan, Texas native to discuss his motivations for fighting, and how preparations for his amateur debut are coming along.
Here is what Carrillo had to say regarding his transformation from writer to fighter; win or lose on Saturday at Elite Amateur Combat 6 TXMMA wishes him nothing but the best of luck!
TXMMA Interview – Mark Carrillo (Elite Amateur Combat 6)
I have been doing MMA for a little over 2 years now, if I had to pick a specialty it would either be my Muay Thai or my ability to shoot fire out the palms of my hands.
Tell us about Team Carrillo; Who are your coaches and what gyms do you train out of?
Team Carrillo consist of all those who support me, whether in fighting or writing. My coaches are Jermaine Anugwom and Bobby Powers from Windy Sport and Fitness. We have also done some cross training with Tre Herrera and the guys out of Ground Dwellers as well.
What is your main occupation when you aren’t fighting?
I write for Mike “The Truth” Jackson and Legacy FC, I have also done some writing for Stephanie Joplin’s website and bjpenn.com. Aside from writing and when I have spare time I manage a BBQ restaurant, so think about that next time you’re rude to the people that feed you. Just kidding, I follow at least half the rules set by the Brazos County Health Department.
What made you want to transition from being a very entertaining MMA writer to getting a taste of the mixed martial artist experience?
Well although it doesn’t come across this way I take my writing very seriously, and I want to experience MMA from all different aspects. I know what it’s like from outside the cage, but I feel you can’t put into words what it’s like inside the cage. Once I had my coaches blessings to fight I figured, “Yeah fuck it. Why not?”
How many fights have you had, what weight class do you fight in and who is your next opponent?
My fight is Saturday August 31 at The Brazos Center for EAC 6.This will be my debut fight, and I am fighting at 155. When I started out training years ago I was around 220, so I cut a shitload of weight.
What can you tell us about your opponent?
My opponent’s name is Ramon Nanes, and I don’t know much about him besides that he is a boxer. I have seen his one previous fight like a thousand times now but who knows what he’s learned since then.
What are you doing to prepare for this fight?
I have been training twice a day 6 days a week for 8 weeks now. Doing my running and conditioning in the morning and Muay Thai, BJJ, and wrestling in the evenings. I also have been punching briskets at work and catching flies with chopsticks.
What have you learned from this experience and what new perspective have you gained on the fight game that you may have not fully grasped by just being an MMA writer?
I now know what training for a fight really is like. I’ve felt the pain and exhaustion that comes with it. I know what it’s like to be nervous and excited, to cut weight, and Saturday I will probably know what it’s like to be punched in the face. Just all the emotions that come with it that I have interviewed others about but never felt myself.
Can you tell us a little about your game plan?
My gameplan is to go in there and stand with him. I feel my stand up is better than his but if it isn’t I have no problem taking Ramon down for ground and pound or a submission.
Is this a one-and-done kind of thing or are we witnessing the birth of the next great MMA champion?
I’m not sure yet, I guess I’ll know after this fight. I never got into MMA with the intentions of fighting it is just one of those things I have always wanted to try once before my midlife crisis, which is just around the corner. If I didn’t get in the cage I would probably end up with a pierced ear and lower back tattoo. I’d rather get my ass whooped than do that.
How would you describe your state of mind going into the fight?
I would say I am both nervous and excited, and hungry too. I’m ready to go in there and give it all I got, but I’m feeling some pressure fighting in my hometown with family and friends there. I’m a pretty laid back guy so I’m not very angry unless I’m driving in traffic or working, I’m sure that will change after getting hit once or twice.
Are tickets still available and if so how can fans purchase them?
There is a few tickets left but it is selling out fast. Tickets can be purchased at Windy Sport and Fitness or cdmboxingassoc.com.
Do you have any sponsors you would like to thank or anything else you would like to say to our readers?
Yes big thanks to Frank’s County Store, Main Street Barber, Lone Star Tire, and Smoken’ Joes. Much thanks to Jermaine and Bobby and all my training partners at Windy. Also my friends and family who have been so supportive of me, especially my big brother Mike who went out and found me sponsors and is probably my biggest fan. I would also like to thank the good folks at Legacy and mikethetruth.com for allowing me to cover the sport I love for them. Send me a friend request on Facebook or follow me on Twitter @MarkilloTX for up to date news on MMA, my love life, and my bowel movements. And last but not least thank you for taking time to interview me. #TeamCarrillo