By TXMMA Staff
Midland, TX, October 21, 2013 – We recently caught up to outspoken West Texas MMA promoter Fabian Butler ahead of his twelfth event, entitled 24/7 XII: State of Emergency and set for this Saturday night October 26th at the Ector County Coliseum in Odessa, TX.
In the following we talk to Fabian about the upcoming event along with his history as an area promoter and what he’s learned along the way.
TXMMA interview – Fabian Butler (Twenty Four Seven Entertainment)
I’m excited about this event for several reasons. This is the first female fight I’ve promoted. Alida Gray (Bushido MMA- El Paso) vs. Soannia Tiem (Saekson Janjira -Plano) will be the main event. When you look at the entire card every bout is evenly matched The Julio Hinojosa vs. Allen Nelson is another exciting fight. Julios’ last two fights both TKO wins early in the 1st round and everyone knows what Allen Nelson did at Legacy 23 with a 9 second KO in the 1st round. Let’s not leave out Yuri Santos against Justin Patterson. Yuri is a Brazilian National Team Alternate but when I talk to Justin he’s preparing for that. Take into considerations Justins’ boxing, Muay Thai and Ju-jitsu we’ll have an exciting contest. This event will pull in more talent from all over Texas which gives fans a different perspective than previous events. It’s going to be a good show.
You’ve been in the MMA promotion game for a few years now. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned?
Surround yourself with good people and keep your word. This is a tough business and if you don’t have people you can trust it will overwhelm you.
What about successes and regrets. Tell us about them.
Even though this is my 12th event I don’t think I’m successful. When most people are sleeping I’m working on the card, answering emails, making travel arrangements, watching film and all the other shit. Add all this on top of working at the Fire Department and I’m busy all the time. I really can’t say I regret things; I look at them as lessons. When I first started I was naive to a lot of things and that cost me. You either learn and adjust, or you won’t be around long. Ain’t no lesson like a bought one.
We see you on social media all the time and you’re a pretty outspoken fan of the sport and just in general. Who are some of your favorite fighters or personalities in Texas MMA?
Being outspoken got me in a lot of unnecessary shit, Lol. I’ll learn to shut the hell up one of these days. Some of the guys I like to watch are Angel Huerta, Cody Williams, Matt Hobar, Geoff Neal, Brian Melancon, Damon Jackson, Neal Ewing, Charlie Ontiveros etc. Win or lose with those guys you know you’ve been in a fight. As for personalities, I try not to get caught up in who talks the most shit prior to fights. I look at who’s a good person and don’t let being a fighter go to their head. Crazy as it may sound one of the best times I’ve had in this business is a conversation between Matt Hobar, Evan Martinez, Neal Ewing and I on the way to the airport. I learned a lot in that short amount of time.
What about in West Texas / Midland / Odessa. Haven’t been out there personally yet. Describe that scene out there for us.
I love the fact that you can get anywhere in 10-15 minutes. Unemployment should be at zero percent because there are opportunities everywhere. Now hiring signs all over the place but as for the leisure activities similar to bigger cities we’re lacking. Go to work, watch movies, go out to eat, that’s about it around here.
I’ve heard some of those events out there can get pretty live, to say the least. Tell us a little bit about that.
Some people and alcohol don’t mix at a fight. God forbid if their guy loses they want to act a damn fool. Liquid courage has a way of doing that to some people. I’m happy to say we haven’t had a serious incident. One of the things I focus on is the safety of everyone who attends. Come out have a good time go home safe to your family.
What’s there to look forward to this Saturday in particular?
You got fighters from all over Texas at this event. Dallas, El Paso, Amarillo, San Antonio, Levelland we even have one fighter from Brazil. Some of these guys/girls have trained in other gyms out of the state (and country) as well. So it shows their talent level of wins and losses. Add in a female main event between two good fighters, Soannia and Alida were in for a great night.
Any other fights you’re looking forward to personally?
Paco Castillo vs. Nathan Torres. Paco against Nathan, Nathan against Paco. I just like that matchup.
Fabian, if you had to describe yourself in one sentence, what would you say?
What you see is what you get. I’ve been this way my whole life.
Any last message to Texas MMA fans for now?
Thank you to all those who make these shows possible: Grande Communications, Lozoya Welding, Tara Simmons Insurance, Area Wide Construction, Briana’s Pizza, Talking Headz Barbershop. Come out Saturday October 26th to then Ector County Coliseum to show your support.