By TXMMA Staff
Chop Shop’s young prospect back in the cage versus new opponent at XKO 21
ARLINGTON, TX, January 17, 2013 – Looking ahead to Xtreme Knockout 21 (XKO 21) set for this Saturday it’s clear to see that Arlington and DFW are in for another round of exciting fights at the XKO Arena. The event is headlined by an established pro in Joshua Foster (7-4) taking on an undefeated prospect in Allen Nelson (2-0) but there are other exciting fighters worthy of paying close attention to as well. One in particular is 23 year old prospect Stephen Banaszak, aka “The Fear.” Fighting out of Chop Shop MMA in Greenville, Stephen has built up a 2-1 record as a pro so far after going 8-1 as an amateur from 2011-2012. he most recently fought last August at XKO 19 scoring a knockout in just 9 seconds over Mario (Julian) Pinales. Now back after 6+ months off due to injury he’ll step into the cage this Saturday opposite Cody Walker.
We caught up with Stephen to get his thoughts on the upcoming fight at XKO 21:
TXMMA Interview – Stephen Banaszak (Chop Shop MMA)
TXMMA: How does it feel to be getting back into the cage for the first time this year?
Stephen Banaszak: I am very excited to step back in there. I am coming off an injury that sidelined me for the last of the year so i want to start the year off on a good note.
TXMMA: Yeah we remember hearing about that… Ouch! Now you’re also coming off your most impressive performance yet as a pro against Mario Pinales at XKO 19. Take us through that fight.
Stephen Banaszak: That fight went as we had planned. We knew how he was going to come out (fast) and we set our game plan to that. (Stephen won by knee KO) It went a little faster than we thought so i am happy to not take any damage.
TXMMA: Now you were supposed to be fighting Brad Mitchell at XKO 21 but he dropped. What are your thoughts on that?
Stephen Banaszak: I was very excited to fight Brad. He is a tough guy and would have been a good test. I was excited to show everyone what i can do against a great fighter like brad. Injuries happen unfortunately and I’m sure we will get our chance to fight later down the road.
TXMMA: He was going to be your biggest challenge yet and now you’re fighting a guy in Cody Walker that has less experience. Is that disappointing?
Stephen Banaszak: It is disappointing because I was excited for this fight. It was going to be one of those edge-of-your-seat type fights with Brad. But i am just thankful that someone stepped up and took the fight on short notice. He (Walker) may not and have the experience but he is hungry and ready to go so I’m sure it will make for a great fight.
TXMMA: What are you looking to show in this fight at XKO 21?
Stephen Banaszak: I am just looking to show how well rounded I am. I think a lot of people around still think I’m just a submission guy. Don’t get me wrong if he leaves something open i will take it but I’m just going to show that I am a more complete fighter.
TXMMA: What are some of your other goals in 2014?
Stephen Banaszak: My goal is just to fight more often and stay healthy. I’m hoping to get 4 or 5 fights this year to start making a name for myself.
TXMMA: Who are some of the fighters you see yourself matching up with this year?
Stephen Banaszak: I’m not really in the business of calling people out. I’ll fight anyone that gets thrown at me but i don’t directly have anyone I’m gunning for. My ultimate goal is to be the best in the world one day and whoever I have to fight in order to get there is how it goes.
TXMMA: How long do you think it will be before you start challenging for titles?
Stephen Banaszak: I’d like to think I’m close to getting some title shots and I would like to hold some pro belts to look good on my resume. I’m hoping to have at least one title before the year is up.
TXMMA: Any last words before XKO 21?
Stephen Banaszak: I want to thank everybody at the Chop Shop and Crossfit 454 for getting me ready. God for blessing me with the ability to do what i love and my sponsors Halo Boutique, Elite Massage and Spa, Prodigy Ink, Balfour, Hackguard, and Body Mechanics.