By TXMMA Staff
Desmond Hill wants to be first fighter from Odessa to fight in the UFC, but first must focus on the task at hand in 24/7 main event this Saturday
ODESSA, TX, July 7, 2014 –Desmond (Dez) Hill is a rising welterweight prospect out of West Texas. He’s gone 4-1 as a pro and hasn’t been defeated since 2011, a narrow split decision in his pro debut. He’s finished 3 out of 4 opponents since then and has no plans to stop. His planned trajectory only goes upwards and that includes his next fight, the main event at 24/7 Entertainment XV: New Regime, scheduled for this Saturday in Midland.
A two-time champion at the amateur level, Desmond Hill found MMA eight years ago and currently trains out of Ruffhouse MMA in Odessa along with Bastos BJJ in Midland. A hometown guy through and through, he says he’s always enjoyed athletic competition and was “raised to play football for Permian.” He played in college as well and earned a Bachelor’s Degree along the way. Though he’s had his share of success thus far, he wants to do more, no matter what challenges get in the way.
‘I always want to be first to do something and I think being the first person from Odessa to fight on a UFC card is a pretty big deal. That along with all the love and support I get from the people around me, only makes me want to achieve more. You must surround yourself around good people if you want to make a career out of this sport. The past year and a half has been rough, I have lost many close friends and relatives, and to try to put that out your mind and still try to compete is a challenge within itself. (Even with this fight) My opponent has changed 3 times but I’m not really focused on that. I know what I can do, and what I need to do. Every fight from here on out is more important than the last, so I’ve got to keep pushing forward.”
“I was looking forward to fighting a Brazilian BJJ black belt, and when he got hurt they threw Cody Pfister name out there. That fight really motivated me, but he pulled out also. I believe the guy now is Javier Palacios. I just know he is scrappy, and will bring it. It will be a good fight. Hopefully with this win I can get more recognition and get on more televised cards. I hope he wants to stand and box with me. If so it will be a short night. I always go in looking for the KO so I’ll do my part in putting on an exciting fight. I appreciate him taking the fight on short notice, and I hope he comes in to put on a show. The rest of the talking will be done Saturday night.
Fighter Acknowledgements
I want to thank everyone that has supported me, and to all my sponsors (nutrition bunker, JR trucking, RDUB trucking, IDS, F.S. Chrome Shop). And a special thanks to Brian Higginbotham with fighting for autism for giving me the opportunity to be a part of such a special program. This one is for you Medina…..DALE!!! – Desmond (Dez) Hill