By TXMMA Staff
Undefeated heavyweight facing greatest test yet as he climbs Texas heavyweight ladder
PLAINVIEW, TX, July 10, 2014 – With an undefeated 4-0 record as a professional Plainview native Eric Lunsford is quietly staking his claim as one of the top heavyweights to watch out for in Texas MMA. Not one to talk or be very brash he’s someone you’d consider a humble fighter and yet he’s starting to deserve notice. Or maybe he deserved it all along. 24 year old went 6-2 as an amateur with 2 titles before turning pro and has never shied away from a challenge.
This Saturday he faces his latest one in the form of another seasoned vet in Waco resident Vernon Lewis. Considering Lewis as his biggest test yet, Eric sees this fight as a barometer for what may lie ahead in his MMA future.
TXMMA recently caught up to the prospect to discuss his upcoming fight for Twenty Four Seven Entertainment in Midland:
24/7 Entertainment XV: New Regime – Eric Lunsford
TXMMA: Hi Eric. Good to hear you’ll be stepping back into the cage this Saturday. What can you tell our fans about your background?
Eric Lunsford: I come from truly humble beginnings. We started out just working BJJ in our living rooms. I couldn’t afford to pay for the real thing so we made do. Eventually I was able to work my way into a real BJJ class with Juan Amaya. He took me to a few tournaments and that led to my first MMA fight in 2010. I got off to a good start but I knew that I needed to work on my stand up. So I visited a Karate gym here in Plainview ran by a local legend, Tommy Alcozer Sr. I knew right off the bat that I wanted to become an Xtreme fighter. Since joining Coach Tommy I’ve evolved into the man and competitor I am today.
TXMMA: What about outside of MMA – what can you tell us about yourself?
Eric Lunsford: Outside of MMA I’m just a regular person. I love spending time with my family, I love God and I love people. I want so badly to make a difference that it might be the death of me. I’m a real athlete and I love playing sports. If it’s a game I’ll play it, I love to compete. Sports and the relationships that have come from sports have literally saved my life.
TXMMA: What do you count as some of the things that motivate you in life?
Eric Lunsford: My family is what drives me. We’re hungry and it’s time to eat. I feel like my family has had a rough go in life and I just want be a light in their lives and provide for them the comforts they deserve. As far as fighting goes, it’s raw, real and uncut. Fighting is true, and it’s in our nature to compete. I simply want to fight my way to a position that will enable me to speak to these kids. Children are the future and they need good role models to look up to. Like they say, evil will prevail if good men do nothing.
TXMMA: What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned so far in your time fighting so far?
Eric Lunsford: I hate to sound so typical, but life is literally exactly like a fight. You go through ups and downs and you have to find ways to push through the downs. It’s just taught me how to get up when life knocks me on my rear end. I would say that my greatest challenges have been overcoming injury and not giving in to that voice in the back of my head that tells me “You can’t.”
TXMMA: Looking ahead to this Saturday at Twenty Four Seven you’ll be entering the cage at 4-0 as a pro. How important is this fifth win for you?
Eric Lunsford: It is very important. It’s a step up in competition, no offense to my past opponents but Lewis is definitely not the new kid on the block. He’s got experience that I don’t have and my skills will surely be tested. It’s much-needed and I’m excited about the opportunity.
TXMMA: How are you looking at Vernon (Lewis) considering he’s a late replacement for this card?
Eric Lunsford: I really don’t know very much about Vernon. I know he’s got colors in BJJ and he’s not afraid to strike so it should be an exciting fight. I’m looking to secure this title and make a little noise for MMA in Texas. The late change is unfortunate but nothing really changes for me. The only difference is just the amount of time I’ve had to prepare. Thanks to a full camp I’ll be able to step into the cage without any insecurities. My first four pro bouts were in semester so it’s been nice to train without the stress of school. I get the chance to just do my job, show up and fight hard.
TXMMA: Any predictions?
Eric Lunsford: There is no way this fight goes the distance. I’m feeling a second, maybe a 3rd round stoppage. KO victory for yours truly. Best of luck to Vernon Lewis as well. I appreciate that he took the fight on short notice. Let’s dance.
TXMMA: Anything else you want to put out there before the fight?
I just want to say thank you to everyone that’s ever had anything to do with where I’m at today. My family, my team, local support and my wife to be Alexa. She works SO hard to make all this possible and I honestly could not do it without her. Glory be to GOD.