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Interview: Daniel “The Pit” Pineda

Barry L. — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 05:38:33 +0000

“I don’t plan to lose, so he better come with his game face if he wants to fight my brother at Strikeforce.”

Daniel “The Pit” Pineda

Interview and Photos by: Barry Laminack

If you where going to make a list of the most recognized fighters in Houston, there is no doubt that Daniel Pineda’s name would be on that list. That’s saying something when you consider that he hasn’t fought in Houston in over two years. His lack of fights in his home town isn’t from a lack a of desire, he’s just been traveling all over Texas trying to fight the very best in the state, and amassing a respectable 11-7 record in the process.

“The Pit” has never met a fight he didn’t like; after all this is the guy who went up __- weight classes from 145 to 170 to fight Jae Suk Lim. He admited that’s been something he’s had to work on, but like the old saying goes, you can’t change a zebra’s stripes. Fighting is what he loves to do, so he does what he loves.

I made the trip out to 4oz to spend some time with Daniel as he prepared for his upcoming Legacy fight with Legacy Lightweight champ Rey Trujillo. We talked about the set backs he’s had, the road ahead and why he’s stayed so loyal to his striking coach (Bob Perez).

TCD.net: Your first fight was against Jeremy Mahon, who is now your trainer (and co-owner of your home gym, 4oz). Tell us how you ended up training with him?

Daniel: I got in a little argument with Silverback, so I was looking for another gym to train at. Come to find out, Jeremy had a gym that I could train at.

TCD.net: Did you call him, or did he call you?

Daniel: Actually, he contacted me, via MySpace. He said, “Hey man, how are you doing? Come over here and train a couple of times if you want.” So I did and brought Robert [Perez] with me.

TCD.net: How long have you been training with 4oz?

Daniel: About a year and a half.

TCD.net: There are a ton of gyms in the city, so what keeps you here?

Daniel: Robert, my Muay Thai trainer.

TCD.net: How did it feel to win the Katana title?

Daniel: It was one of the best feelings ever at the time, but it doesn’t mean anything to me anymore until I get that Legacy belt.

TCD.net: We talked a little bit about it when the fight was announced, but tell us, is this a revenge fight for you, given the fact that your opponent [Rey Trujillo] beat your gym mate [Jesus Rivera].

Daniel: Me and Jesus are very good friends. We met here at 4oz and have become really good friends. It’s like if somebody beats up your brother or one of your best buddies, you’re going to want to kick their ass right? That’s my whole goal; I want to get his [Jesus’] revenge. I should get his 155 belt if I beat him.

TCD.net: So, you want both belts?

Daniel: Yeah [laughs] I think it should be for both belts. If he comes in heavy and I beat him, I should get both belts.

TCD.net: Speaking of brothers, the rumor right now is that when Strikeforce come to town, that Rey could be fighting your brother [Jose Santibanez] on the undercard. What are your thoughts on that?

Daniel: It’s funny because I’m going to be fighting him, what, 21 days before my brother fights him? Honestly it’s going to be kind of hard because if you lose, you’re suspended for what, 30 days? I don’t plan to lose, so he better come with his game face if he wants to fight my brother at Strikeforce.

TCD.net: Early in 09, you suffered a 4 fight losing streak for the first and only time in your career. What was it like going through something like that?

Daniel: I’m the kind of guy that doesn’t like to lose. I was going to quit, but like always Robert kept me in there and kept my head straight. I haven’t had my ass kicked yet, I’ve only been submitted. [laughs] so if Trujillo is going to try and beat me, he better go for the submission because I haven’t been knocked out yet.

TCD.net: During that streak, you had something like 3 fights in 6 weeks right? Talk about that a little bit.

Daniel: That was my problem. I was taking everything. I lost my fight against Vargas at Bellator and I thought, “man, screw this; I’ve got to get a win.” My head wasn’t on straight and I just kept on going, fighting guys who were undefeated or had a belt and I wanted to fight the best because I wanted my name to get back up there; it just wasn’t going my way.

TCD.net: Looking back, would you manager your career any different?

Daniel: Man, you just learn from your mistakes, like don’t take fights too soon. Rey, that goes for you too, don’t take a fight that quick.

TCD.net: We talked a little about the Trujillo/Rivera fight and how it was probably one of the best fights Houston has ever seen. Can’t his fight replace it as the best ever?

Daniel: It’s not going to go 5 rounds. I’ll be surprised if it goes 3 rounds. It’s going to be a war. One of us is going to get knocked out our ground and pounded out in the first or second round. This isn’t no 5 3 minute rounds, this is 5 5’s so I hope he’s training for them.

TCD.net: Rey is a high energy, go forward fighter. How do you plan to deal with that?

Daniel: The awesome thing is we are both like that, so we are just going to [claps his hands together] and see what happens and see who gets knocked out.

TCD.net: Do you have a prediction for the fight? How do you see it ending?

Daniel: I think he’s going to tap to punches on the ground.

TCD.net: How long has it been since you fought here in Houston.

Daniel: It’s been about 2 years. I fought Vince Libardi at the Verizon Wireless Theatre. A lot of people are like, man it’s about time he’s coming back to Houston. I was fighting all over the place, but I was like, MAN, I want to go back to Houston.

TCD.net: What’s it feel like to be back?

Daniel: I love it man, it pumps me up even more. I told Robert for the longest but it just hasn’t happened; but now I have the opportunity and it’s for the belt! I think you’ll hear the fans going crazy and I think we’ll get fight of the night. He’s got his fans and I have mine, so it’s going to be loud.

TCD.net: What is one thing that nobody knows about you?

Daniel: That I watch a lot of cartoons and play a lot of Playstation 3. [laughs]

TCD.net: What do you want the fans in Houston to know about you as a fighter?

Daniel: That I’m the kind of guy that doesn’t stop. When I bring it, I’m going to bring it all and I’m going to give it all I have, win or lose. I’m there for the fans and to get my belt.

TCD.net: How long do you plan on fighting?

Daniel: Man, until god breaks my legs or something. He’s the one that’s going to stop me.

TCD.net: If you win this fight, and assuming that the talent pool is deeper at 155 than at 145, would you consider moving up in weight and taking some fights at 155?

Daniel: I want the 155 belt too, so yeah.

TCD.net: So if you win this, are you going to ask for a title fight with Rey at 155?

Daniel: If I win this fight, I shouldn’t fight Trujillo. He should just drop the belt and I should fight the next up and comer.

TCD.net: Do you feel comfortable at 155?

Daniel: The first three fights of my career where at 155, and then I went up to 170 to fight Jae Suk Lim at Elite XC, so yeah, I could do it.

TCD.net: You’ve mention Robert Perez several times during the interview. What is it about him that makes him so good and what does he mean to you as a trainer?

Daniel: I’m the kind of guy that I would like to finish where I start, and I started with Robert. He’s the one that told me I needed to fight, him and my brother Jose Santibanez. Both of those guys are the ones who pushed me into fighting. I just wanted to learn how to fight so I could protect myself in the street, because I used to fight a lot, it was like an every weekend thing for me. So they pushed me into it and got me out of trouble.

When I told everyone I was going to 4oz, he was the one that followed me. Not even my brother followed me.

TCD.net: So do you hold that against your brother?

Daniel: No, I think it was better. He gets what he needs over there and I get what I need over here.

TCD.net: Do you guys ever spar or train together?

Daniel: Yeah, he comes over here and trains some.

TCD.net: Do you ever go back over there?

Daniel: Yeah, sometimes; usually to help him or some of my buddies out. Tony is a great guy, I like Tony.

TCD.net: If you don’t mind me asking, what happened over there that caused you to leave?

Daniel: You know, it was just one of those things and it was time to move on. Like I said, Tony is a great guy.

TCD.net: Is there anyone that you’d like to thank?

Daniel: Yeah, I want to thank Robert Perez, my Muay Thai trainer, Ragan McDaniel at B3 Sports, You guys at TheCageDoor.net, and all my sponsors:

Los Cucos Mexcian Cafe
Fast Fitness
New Star Muffler Shop #5
American Grinding
iBodyPaint.com

Podcast: In The Cage July 27, 2010

Barry L. — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:37:31 +0000

Show: In The Cage with Adam Villarreal

Original Air Date: July 27, 2010

Station: ESPN 97.5 The Ticket

Interview: Rey “The Truth” Trujillo

Rich B. — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 03:37:07 +0000

“People are there to see me put on a show and the KO of the night is putting on a good show.”

Rey “The Truth” Trujillo

Interview and Photos by: Richard Burmaster

There are few things in this life that attack with the pace of Rey Trujillo. From the moment the bell rings Rey is on the hunt throwing whatever it takes to hurt his opponent. His assault does not relent until you do. No one has been able to stop his attack yet and no one has figured out the key to beating him. Coming into this title fight Saturday Rey is still unbeaten as a pro, add to that he was unbeaten as an amateur and you have quite a win streak on your hands. TCD caught up with Rey at his sparring session last week with Paradigm and slowed down the champ long enough to answer some questions.

TCD.Net: How did you get started in MMA?

Rey: I was always fighting outside of MMA and had always watched UFC. I got tired of hearing people say “ Man you should do that” , eventually my Dad told me I would be good at it and that I should give it a try. I wanted to make my Dad proud so I dove in headfirst

TCD.Net: Did you participate in sports before that?

Rey: I played football on the varsity team as well as basketball and track. I was always active. Football helped to prepare me and how to train hard.

TCD.Net: You recently moved to Paradigm from Metro, what brought on this change of camps?

Rey: Originally I started at Bushi Ban, I have always cross trained with them even when I was at Metro, and they will always be my home. I believe if you stay at one place to long you stop developing, so I try to cross train whenever I can

TCD.Net: Do you get a different challenge here at Paradigm?

Rey: It’s a different type of program here and we spar a lot. I spared a lot at Metro as well, I get to work with some great teammates here like Mike B, Jeff, Tim, and Brian and working with some of the best guys in the state really makes a difference. Coming here has helped me to change things up and hopefully keep my body from getting adapted to the workouts.

TCD.Net: Ralph Macchio or Jayden Smith as the Karate Kid?

Rey: I have not seen the new one but I am a fan of the old one, plus he was bigger than the new one, looked like he could stomp the new guy down. The new one did have a good looking kick on the promotional flyer though.

TCD.Net: Macchio or Hillary Swank?

Rey: I’m going to go with Swank.

TCD.Net: Would you rather have the Fight of the Night award or the Submission of the Night?

Rey: That’s a tough one. I would rather have the won that paid the most , and neither pays a bonus right now, gonna need to talk to Mick about that . I would say Submission of the night, fight of the night usually means you had a tough fight through all the rounds, with the submission of the night you probably took less damage and its about time for me to start getting some subs on my record.

TCD.Net: Submission of the night or KO of the night?

Rey: KO most definitely, People are there to see me put on a show and the KO of the night is putting on a good show.

TCD.Net: Your last fight was a 3 round battle with Jesus Rivera that many have called the best fight the city of Houston has seen; did you know during the fight that you were part of something special?

Rey: I knew it was going to be a good fight, I thought I should have finished him in the second round, I had issues with training camps and behind the scenes stuff and I can usually finish people when I have them dazed. He has a great heart and a good chin but I had an after party to attend and I should not have let the fight go that long.

TCD.Net: What sets you apart from the other fighters in your weight class?

Rey: I would say the things I have been through in life, I have been through a lot. I may not have been training as long as others but that doesn’t mean I was not out there building character that helped to mold me into a champion. I have had some hard times from prison, to almost dying, a lot of different things that really made my skin tough. I averaged two fights a week until I turned 24, when I started training that dropped down to none. I have gained a lot of discipline.

TCD.Net: Will that tough skin from your past help you to stay the champion?

Rey: Most definitely. Had I been training since I was 15 then I would have missed out on a lot of life, I would have missed out on a lot of the stupid things I did but those things are what made me tough and helped me to open my eyes to the world.

TCD.Net: Tell us about your match-up with Daniel Pineda?

Rey: Daniel is a good guy and a good fighter, he has been around for awhile and is considered a veteran. He has a lot of fights under his belt and my hats off to him but this is my time right now. I believe he had his time and maybe he didn’t capitalize on it. I do well under pressure and I have a lot from all the people I bring to the fights as well as my clothing line and music.

TCD.Net: Your on the upcoming Strikeforce card, how much does it mean to you to be on the biggest card to come to Houston?

Rey: Its everything I have been working for, I perform great under pressure so I feel more sorry for my opponent in front of 10,000 people because the pressure will be applied to them in the form of pain. I have to get through this first one and take care of business.

TCD.Net: Anyone you would like to thank?

Rey: First id like to thank Jehovah god and Jesus Christ, and all my friends and family that support me!!! Then I’d like to thank all my sponsors : A&K Industrial, Jackie’s Brick House Pizza, HVAC Environmental Services, Emiliano’s Bar, Guidry’s, The Wing Factory, and Franchise Sports!!!!! Last but not least all my team mates at Bushi Ban (Fighters Elite) and Paradigm!!!!!!!

Interview: Jonathan “The Hulk” Harris

Barry L. — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:47:43 +0000

“…we’re generous, we like to give the beating rather than receive it”

Jonathan “The Hulk” Harris

Interview by: Lance Edwards

Watching Jonathan train at Submission Boxing, I could see that this was a fighter with a hard work ethic. With the trademark cauliflower ears denoting a seasoned grappler, I was surprised by his friendliness and just how polite Harris is, something a lot of fighters share.

TCD.net: Jonathan, so you’re fighting in three weeks, what do you know about your opponent

Jonathan: Yes, that’s right. What do I know? Not much really, I was due to fight Mike Brazoulis, however my opponent changed. I’ve just heard I’m fighting a guy called Kenny [editors note: It's now JR Fuller], he’s a ground guy, that’s about it, he signed on Wednesday so I don’t know too much right now. I’m 181lbs three weeks out, by the week of the fight I’ll be 170.

TCD.net: Is it difficult to change the opponent so close to the fight?

Jonathan: No it’s ok, Mike’s a good wrestler so I focused a bit on that, but we train in all aspects of the game, we don’t like surprises and you can become too focused on a game plan, so that if the fighter does something different it’s hard to adapt. We like to train for anything that could happen in a fight.

TCD.net: Do you have a favorite aspect you like to train?

Jonathan: I like it all, everyday we train a different style. I feel as comfortable on the ground as I do standing, so wherever a fight goes I have the skills to finish it. Coach Frank likes to have us as well rounded as possible, we’re generous we like to give the beating rather than receive it.

TCD.net: When did you start training?

Jonathan: I’ve been training four years through a school, I started playing about with friends years before though. The more mixed martial arts grew the more I wanted to train seriously to compete, I thought I’d try and make the dream happen.

I started at Elite, which is a great school, it was a long journey for me so I thought I’d find a place to train nearer to home. I visited different schools, and submission boxing really stood out. It’s a family here, loyalty’s a big part, we’re a team and we support each other, all pulling together to make each of us the best we can be.

TCD.net: You’re fighting at Legacy aren’t you?

Jonathan: Yes that’s right, my last fight was with legacy, and my first two were at Havoc of Houston, I had two amateur fight with Lonestar Beatdown. I love the show they put on, it’s a great venue, there’s not a bad seat in the house for the spectators and it’s really professional, Mick always takes care of me. I feel really fortunate getting to fight on the show. The Houston Arena was designed for cage fighting, you couldn’t find a better venue.

TCD.net: Is it hard being a pro starting out?

Jonathan: It’s very difficult being a pro coming up, I passed up some really good jobs to be broke and chase my dreams. I give respect to low end fighters, it’s hard to train full time and work full time, and takes a lot of faith. I nearly had to quit to work the oil field, Coach Frank and my team believe in me, and I have faith that I’ll get there. It helps to have your team mates to support and believe in you.

TCD.net: So what does your training consist of?

Jonathan: We have specialist coaches who teach the different aspects to allow us to have well rounded fights, wrestling, boxing, muay thai, and jujitsu. You see wrestlers get shut down by standup fighter, and jujitsu guys get shut down by wrestlers; we train pretty evenly to have skills in all these aspects. Every day is different, that’s what drew me here.

We do a lot of circuits, as conditioning is so important. My conditioning coach has be doing pool two days, two days long distance, and we do sprints and drills. I used to be into bodybuilding, so I kind of take care of that part myself and do weights. Trent Denton is one of the head coaches in San Jacinto College athletics department, we’re really lucky to have him here. When they first got me I’d die after one minute, now I can last for rounds.

TCD.net: Anything you’d like to say to anyone?

Jonathan: I’d just like to give special thanks to my sponsors. Dr. Donavan May keeps me healthy, of course all my coaches, and big props to legacy for letting me give all I’ve got in the show, and of course The Cage Door for exposure.

TCD.net: So what should we expect on 31^st July?

Jonathan: I’m coming to kill or be killed, it should lead to a good show.

Thanks Jonathan, we wish you all the best for your fight.

News and Notes: July 26th Edition

Barry L. — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 19:31:00 +0000

If you know of some news that you think we should know about, us our “contact us” form HERE to send it our way.

NEWS

Lewis Shocks Colorado, Wins Belt

Derrick Lewis (Silverback MMA) won the Fight To Win Heavyweight Tittle in Denver , Colorado with a second round TKO of Ryan Martinez. Visit www.fighttowinmma.com for a link to pictures of the fight and a fight recap.

Look for Derrick to fight back home in Houston very soon.

IKF Worlds – Houston fighter wins belt

The IKF Worlds Classic is regarded as one of the best Kickboxing/Muay Thai events in the world. This years event set a record as it saw 320 fighters register to compete (shattering the old mark of 280 set back in 2009). The IKF also set a record for number of fighters to fight for a title as it saw 270 compete for the gold, surpassing the old mark of 240 set back in 2005.

Houston are fighter Ricky Turcios (Gracie Barra The Woodlands) won the Featherweight Title for the second year in a row. We are still trying to get final results for all of the Houston area fighters.

For more info, visit http://www.ikfkickboxing.com/WC10.htm

NOTES

Barringer to face Jiminez at Bellator

When Bellator returns to Texas is September, it will once again showcase some of Texas (and Houston’s) best fighters. We reported last week that Andrew Craig has agreed to appear on the card, and now you can add Arron “Bad Man” Barringer (Hoger MMA and blogger for TheCageDoor.net) and Gilbert Jiminez (Texas Powerhouse) to that list, as the two have agreed to square off at 155 in San Antonio.

RUMORS

No rumors this week

EVENTS

July 31 – Legacy Fighting Championship – Moore vs. Melancon - Click Here for Complete Coverage
Aug 4 – Puro Combate – Jason Frank makes his Pro Debut – See our Calendar entry for the complete card

Have some news about a Houston area fighter, gym or somebody else involved with the scene? Send it to use by using THIS FORM and we’ll include it in our “News and Notes”.

New BJJ Tournament Circuit in Houston: ProStar Grappling

Barry L. — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 06:11:30 +0000

FOR IMEDIATE RELEASE

(Houston, Tx) - ProStar Grappling is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gi and NoGi grappling tournament circuit run under the official rules and guidelines of the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF). In an effort to bring the highest quality IBJJF structured event for the serious grappler to the forefront of today’s competition arena, founders Spencer Caldwell and Gracie Barra BJJ Black Belt Chad “Robo” Robichaux created ProStar Grappling.

Join us in Spring TX at Legends Sports Complex on Saturday August 28^th 2010 and experience the difference.

· Special Super Fight Kayron Gracie vs Renan Chavez

· IBJJF Official Rules and Weigh Ins

· Black Belts Compete FREE

· Guaranteed to be organized and run with the highest level of quality available

o On Schedule

o Trained and Certified Referees and Staff

o No Rules Meetings at Event

o No Late Registration

o Brackets Available online the day prior to the event

The event is unique in its first class database system, which is one of a kind. Randomized bracketing software will put you in your bracket as you register. With the registration closing 3 days prior to the event the brackets and division times are available to the competitor online 1 day prior to competing. This allows the competitor to be physically and mentally prepared for their competition. NO rules meeting (rules are IBJJF rules and available here IBJJF Rules), and no waiting hours on your division to begin.

Every team member is formally trained to do their specific job, and referees are trained and certified by the Tournament Director, Octavio Couto Jr. “Rathino” (IBJJF Referee and 3rd Degree BJJ Black Belt).

We believe in providing the very best experience for you to compete out of a love and passion for the wonderful art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

See you on the mats,

ProStar Grappling

Please visit www.ProStarGrappling.com for more information

Bikini Carwash Benefit: Pics and Recap

Barry L. — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 19:33:05 +0000

On Saturday July 24, the Houston MMA community once again came together to help out one of our own. Big Boy Sports and B3 Sports teamed up to help raise money for local fighter John Malbrough’s mother, who is in need of heart surgery. The weather was perfect and the turnout was amazing. In just 4 short hours, the event raised $1000 to put towards Mrs. Malbrough’s surgery. Fighters from all over the city made the trip out to show their support, some coming from as far as College Station. Gym represent included 4oz fight club, Gracie Barra North Houston, McCall’s, Kingwood MMA, United Kombat Academy and Windy Sport and Fitness. Even Legacy’s own Mick Maynard made the trip out to show his support.

“Having all the guys in the community there to back me was awesome. I definitely felt the love. It’s great to know that people who don’t even know me can come out and help make a difference,” John said of the support he and his family received.

He added, ” I learned something from this this whole situation with my mom, that there are truly great people in this world.”

As for an update on his mom, “We almost have the money to get her surgery done. She is still pretty much the same right now. She’s really not supposed to do too much, but she walked to the end of the driveway the other day and was completely out of breath. My hope is that after this surgery, everything will be back to normal with her.”

Finally, John had a few words to say to the Houston MMA community.

“I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for all the help and for coming together for me. It will never be forgotten. I want to thank you guys at TheCageDoor.net, Adam Villareal on In The Cage, Big Rob (my manager with Big Boy Sports), Ragan McDaniel of B3 Sports, all of the guys from all the gyms that came out to help and show support and the good folks at Tailgaters. I love all of you guys!”

Enjoy the pics!

Podcast: In The Cage July 20, 2010

Barry L. — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 19:23:37 +0000

Show: In The Cage with Adam Villarreal

Original Air Date: July 20, 2010

Station: ESPN 97.5 The Ticket

Special Guest – King Mo

News and Notes: July 20th Edition

Rich B. — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 05:52:06 +0000

If you know of some news that you think we should know about, us our “contact us” form HERE to send it our way.

NEWS

Frank to make pro debut

Jason David Frank will be making his pro debut on the Puro Combate card on August 4th.

Craig set for Bellator

Andrew Craig and several other Houston fighters are slated to be on the September San Antono Bellator card.

Rudy gets a shot

John Malbrough will defend his 185lb Lonestar Beatdown title in September against John “Rudy” Thibeault (4oz Fight Club). Mick and the crew are already putting the card together.

NOTES

Rivas out, Chavez in

Kayron will be facing Renan Chavez in the superfight instead of the rumored Jordan Rivas.

RUMORS

Rumor has it that…

…Fabricio Werdum (the first man to beat Fedor) will be holding a seminar here in Houston the week of the Pro Star Grappling Tournament.

EVENTS

July 24 – Bikini Carwash: Benifiting John Malbrough’s Mother (click for details)

Have some news about a Houston area fighter, gym or somebody else involved with the scene? Send it to use by using THIS FORM and we’ll include it in our “News and Notes”.

4oz Family Fun Night 2

Barry L. — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 20:31:54 +0000

Bob and Jeremey where at it again last Saturday July 10th; only this time, it was the grand opening of their new gym at a new location (10541 W FM 1960 suite 130, Houston, 77070).

Plenty of family fun was available as there was music, food, a bouncey for the kids and open sparring sessions all day long.

Enjoy the pics!