Matthew Bordonaro: WNY MMA & Fitness Member Feature

Matthew Bordonaro: WNY MMA & Fitness Member Feature

This weeks featured fighter is Matthew Bordonaro!

Matt [apparently] is a comedian. I sat down with him a few weeks ago to interview him and to my dismay, I lost the file of my notes. I contacted him via facebook, asking if he would mind taking some time to re-answer the questions. This is the response I got back:

I did the whole thing for you  Not just answering the questions though, I interviewed myself. I think you should just copy/paste this as the member feature...

This member feature will be a little different from all the others. Unlike other "regular" members, there is only one way to get to know the best of the best here at WNYMMA. Matt is taking the reins to his own interview, so buckle up sucka.

He is the greatest thing that will ever make its way in front of your eyes. The type of man others guys would kill to be and the type of man for whom women would leave their significant others for just one night with. The type of guy who will come out to a fight in a skirt and wig and still pick up the W. Who am I talking about? Matt Bordonaro of course. Lets learn a little about this stallion.

Lets get to the first question. Matt, your hair is phenomenal.

Thanks, Matt. The secret is conditioner and genetics others can only dream of having. It also smells almost as good as it looks. That wasn't a question though.

Sorry, I got distracted by those flowing locks.

It happens to everyone.

Alright, let's get down to business and talk about MMA. Why are you so great at it? And can others hope to reach the same level?

I'll let my homeboy Aristotle answer this one for me. 

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act but a habit"

There's no secret pill, formula, or hair product that gives me these almost super hero-like qualities I seem to have. With effort, consistency, and making sure you always rinse and repeat, anyone can be like me.

Great answer. Now, as much as I would like to continue talking about how great, wonderful, and ridiculously good looking you are, let's get to some of the questions Cara wanted answered so we can all avoid getting yelled at. So let's begin the lightning round. What's your favorite technique?

Whatever will win me the fight.

What is your style of fighting?

Whatever will win me the fight.

How'd you get into the sport?

Found a website for a gym online, went there, and I liked hitting things.

What separates you from other fighters?

I do my own interviews.

Top 3 favorite entrances of yours?

Dressed as Britney Spears, Geno from a Mario game on the SNES(made my day when the announcer knew who I was without me having to tell him), and in a banana suit coming out to Peanut Butter Jelly Time. I did the dance for the last one too.

Who are your biggest influences?

A guy named Jack is a pretty big influence on me. Jack Daniels. Probably nothing from that night in Erie PA should be posted, but just ask around the gym about me and the monkey. Depending on who you talk to, you'll get one of three reactions from them. The first will be "what?" Those are the ones who weren't around for it. The second will be uncontrollable laughter. These were the ones who kept their distance. The third response will trigger the PTSD of said individuals. These were the ones who were caught in something beyond their ability to comprehend. Or maybe they were just disgusted with the whole thing. I prefer to think its the former.

Talk about weight cutting.

It sucks. When I have to lose weight for a fight, not eating a lot is easily the second hardest thing when I wake up.

Moving on. What does it mean to be a fighter?

It means I... fight people?

"Matt is so amazing I have his face tattooed on my chest" - Todd Liberati, trainer

"No" - Cara, when asked if I could do my own interview

"He's so great to look at. I wish there wasn't usually a wall between us when we're all working out just so I could check him out more often." - Every Women's Fitness Member

Scott Skinner: WNY MMA & Fitness Member Feature

Scott Skinner: WNY MMA & Fitness Member Feature

This weeks featured fighter is Scott Skinner!

Scott is genuine. 

He is one of the most genuinly nice people you will meet. I know this because of the way he has treated me from day one. He always asks how I'm doing, or how my day went and he never ceases to make me smile.

He genuinely cares. Sure most people here are nice to me, but he is the one person I can count on to go out of his way to make my day a little brighter.

This is the sole reason why when he asked me to come to his first fight, I couldn't say no. I'm so happy I didn't. I have to tell you guys that the amount of pride I felt for this team when I watched the five or six of you step in the ring back in December was like nothing I've felt for this place before. It gives meaning to the reason I sit here six days a week and do the things that I do. It was nice to finally get to see this all play out. I now understand why many of you are also here six days a week. I don't think I've ever been in one place where so many people are working so hard to chase their dreams.

I decided to feature Scott Skinner this week because it was his first fight and I know how hard he worked for it day in and day out. You deserve it Scotty!

How did you get into martial arts?

I took tae kwon doe for a year or two. I came in through Bubba, he is the one that got me to come here. We were friends and I saw his bag on him one time so I started asking him questions and he was like 'yeah, come train, come train!' I've been to four different gyms and this is by far the best one.

What do you like about your sport, is there anything you don't like?

I love everything. There is nothing not to like. Kickboxing and striking are my favorite. I like hitting people [laughs]. 

Tell me about your first fight?

It was the best feeling I have ever had, ever. I never experienced something so crazy, intense, nervous. I was one of the last from the group to fight, so it was a lot of pressure.

What were some things that were going through your head before, during and after your first fight?

The only thing going through my head before the fight was just how badly I wanted that win. The team was 4-0 for the night so far and it was up to me to keep the undefeated score going, but I was ready and  focused. I couldn't wait for the fight to start when they announced my name and I walked to the ring hearing everyone cheering for me, screaming my name. It completely took away any nervousness I had. The fight was tough. It went all three rounds and was a nonstop action packed war. I remember hearing them announce my name and raising my hand for victory. Having my teammates, coaches, family and friends tell me how proud they were of me was the best feeling I have ever had.

How did you prepare?

I just trained my hardest everyday. I did not miss a day the last month before my fight. I started back in March, and about seven months of prep later I had my debut. I had no experience before this.

How was making weight for you?

It wasn't too bad. I only had to lose ten pounds to get down to my target weight of 145. So not bad for me at all, I would actually say it was easy. I am looking to get down to 135 for my next fight.

Now having fought, what would you change or do differently in your prep for next time?

Definitely run more, or work on my cardio more in general. I felt like I got tired, winded. I went entirely way too hard in the first round, so I would also save up my energy a bit more rather than go out there and start throwing fists like crazy. I had a lot of excitement and confidence going in, maybe a little too much confidence!

I know you won! Congratulations!

Thank you, I won by unanimous decision (29-28), all three judges. It was a good fight. I wasn't sure if I had won at the time. I'm not going to lie, I was nervous, but I did have a feeling I won.

Why do you say that?

I hit him more [laughs]. I knew I went harder than he did.

What are your plans moving forward from this?

I want to get in the cage and fight MMA. That's what I want to do but I will do whatever they want me to do. I will fight anyone. I will fight anywhere. I will do what I’m told. I came with the intent of fighting and I want nothing more than to be a professional fighter, it has been a dream forever since ten years ago. So my plan is to keep coming here and training hard and going after it. 

Who are you biggest influences at the gym?

Corey because he has helped out so much in striking. I have gotten a million times better since I started training with him. First three months here I only did BJJ then I switched to kickboxing. I haven't been on the mat in a few months, but Dub is also a huge influence on me. I look up to him. He's kind of like super man to me, like he can’t be beat. I've never seen him submit. I think there is a really great dynamic with the coaches here. I am looking forward to gaining that energy in my MMA style in the future.

What is your favorite move?

Spinning heel kick.

So I gotta ask, where did the nickname Buffalo's Bad Boy come from?

It came from Amer Abdullah. He said it was because I looked mean. He was making the posters up and had to think of  a name and the one guy I was fighting the Pride of NY DOCs [laughs].

What influence has training had on your life?

It has changed my entire life. I don't want to get into details, but I swear I would be dead or in jail if I didn't have this sport in my life. It has kept me out of trouble.

"Scotty is a real inspiration to his peers, he showed us that it's never too late to follow your dreams. With the hard work and determination that he put in he was able to over come all the obstacles that stood in his way. I knew that the only thing that could stop him was himself and if he was able to overcome that, he could overcome anybody that stood in his way" - Dan "DJ Roundhouse" Dorfman

"Scotty is a guy that was committed 100% from day one. Every day he comes in he gives all of his effort and trains until he can't train anymore. Though he hasn't been training long his work ethic sets him apart as a leader in the gym. What I love most about Scotty is that he doesn't give up and he'll never let his team mates give up either." - Corey "The Story" Webster

"Scott has an energy about him. He's dedicated and brings fire to the team." -Brandon Mindoro, member

"A real success story. Scott is one of those guys that really brings something special to the team; Positive energy, proof that hard work pays off, an indestructible spirit, leadership qualities, and a back story allot of guys coming in can relate too. I can't wait to see what the future has in store for him." - Michael "Dub" Dauenhauer

Christian Bone: Buffalo NY Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing & Women's Fitness Member Feature

This weeks featured fighter from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Member is CHRISTIAN BONE!

Buffalo NY Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing & Women's Fitness Member Feature

November 15, 2013

by Cara Nassar

Christian is one of the most selfless people you will ever meet.

In light of Veterans Day, I wanted to feature one of our veteran members and could not think of anyone more deserving of the honor.

Not only has he served our country for four years, but he continues to serve others who have served through his work at the Veteran's Hospital.

A life-time of service.

When asked about his reasons for joining, he simply said that he could not sit by the wayside and watch while other young men and women risked their lives. Admirable, indeed.

THANK YOU Christian, for your service to our country and your ongoing contributions to others!

How did you get into martial arts?

My first exposure when I was in basic training in the army. The army Level 1 Combatants is a version of jiu-jitsu. It’s jiu-jitsu with slightly different technique. At my first station, a camp in Kentucky, there was a BJJ school an hour and a half away. I trained for 2-3 months and eventually my job interfered. I moved back up here to be near my family. I grew up just south of here in Orchard Park.

How did you find us?

I originally trained a bit when I got back home at Buffalo BJJ with Chuck Anzoni. I did not love the vibe. Then I kind of got out of it and when I was going to nursing school I wanted to get back into training and found you guys on the internet. I started training at the other location and moved here. I now live in the city.

How long have you been training?

About two and a half years and I’m a blue belt.

What do you love/hate about here?

What I like about this school the most is how everyone is friendly. The coaches, the people.. I remember when I first started Mikey Schultz immediately came up and introduced himself. It seems like more of a team atmosphere and the guys are trying to help you learn. What I don’t like.. A little kid shut the light off on me when I was in the bathroom. [laughs] No I’m just kidding. I don’t like the fact that because women’s fitness is on the other side of the gym there seems to be a big gender segregation. Aimee Marko seems to be the only one that really came over to our side. I think more women should train.

What is your favorite thing that you’ve learned here?

Getting better just comes down to hard work. Keep showing up. If I keep coming here three days a week I can see a huge difference, and you’ll start to pick up things without thinking too much. When I first started I was obsessed with studying every little technique that I could find. Eventually I learned to just hit the mats and let it come naturally.

Do you have any future goals?

I’m contemplating competing in the Masters 2014, but first I’m trying to cut down to 154 weight class. It’s going slower than I had hoped. I did do one medium sized tourney in Toronto and that did not go as well as planned. But I only got about one hour of sleep, I was working night shifts at the time, and also I overcut weight. I did not have the energy.

What would you do differently for the next one?

I would do proper weight loss instead of trying to cut water weigh. I want to reach my weight naturally.

What is your favorite move?

Bow and arrow choke. Because I’m a smaller guy I tend to work from the back more often and it’s a very hard choke to get out of.

So what is your military story?

My military story goes like this.. I joined December 2002. Watching the news it was evident to me that we would be invading Iraq. It’s not like I joined for revenge for 911 just felt that if young men and women were going to go overseas I did not want to sit and watch on CNN, I wanted to be a part of it. I finished my associate’s degree in auto tech school and didn’t think it was for me, so I was looking for something different. After I finished my associates, two weeks after graduation, I went to basic training in Georgia for the Infantry. It was a very hot summer. After basic training, I went to javelin school and hand-held anti-tank school and joined the 101st airborne and infantry division. I ended up deploying to Iraq in December of 2003. I did two months in Mosul before the unit came back. Then I re-deployed with the 101^st back to Iraq in the Fall of 2005. I did a tour as team leader in Mahmudiyah. So I was there for about 10 months before I came back for being wounded in IED blast. I did about six months of rehab, but during that time I kept training the new soldiers. I got out when my enlistment was done after 4 years.

What was the most difficult part of serving?

Being wounded was tough. I still have some residual problems, but I’m lucky. It looked a lot worse than it was. If the trap was two inches to the left it would have blown my head off. So really, I’m lucky.

Would you go back and do it all again?

While there was some fun and cool parts, there were also some awful terrible parts. Being in the infantry is a hard life. I don’t know what kind of person I would be without that experience so I would say yes I would do it again.

What was your favorite thing about serving?

Being at a job where the guys you work with are the guys you live with, you are buddies with, you hang out with. It’s like one big happy dysfunctional family. You don’t always get along, and sometimes you hate them, but when things get bad they will do anything for you. It’s crazy to see someone who makes an argument over who’s going to have the most dangerous job because they don’t want to see anyone get hurt. You really don’t see that anywhere else.

Dub told me that your dad is now active in the service? Can you talk about that?

My father is in Afghanistan he does surgery on guys that are wounded. He works the FOB shank. I come from a military family; my grandfather was a doctor in WWII France and post WWII Japan. My uncle served sometime in the air force in Alaska. I joined and my dad followed in my footsteps. He wanted to return the favor for military doctors who took care of me. Originally he volunteered to do surgery in the navy ship USS Comfort after the Haitian earthquake. He did two trips to Germany, all as a civilian. People started asking him to join and he assumed he was too old, but there is a shortage of experienced doctors in the military. I think he broke some record, oldest person to enlist. Brian Williams, age 64. It made national news. He plans to come home in January if all goes right.

Are you done, or would you ever consider serving again?

Yes. I am done. They did try to bring me back in; they told me they wanted me to come back. I decided because of my arm and shoulder injury that I just wasn’t ready. But I am definitely done.

Where do you currently work?

At RA VA hospital in the inpatient psychiatric ward. I’m a nurse that takes care of mentally ill patients. I went to school in D’Youville for it. A lot of my family is in healthcare. It’s something I always had a lot of exposure to.

I know you said you originally enlisted because you didn’t think that auto tech was for you. Are you happy with your job now?

Psychiatric patients are tough. There are good days and bad days. These guys need someone to take care of them. I try to do my part. I had some exposure to psychiatric nursing at the VA hospital when I did a paid internship. I had to send in an essay and application. They pick only two people per city.

"I would describe Christian as driven, noble and selfless. He always volunteers his time to charities and never puts himself first. He also achieves anything he puts his mind to, even if it seems like an impossible task. He's a great role model." - Mandy Detamble, girlfriend

"Christian is the type of guy that is always looking to help everyone else.  His military service speaks volumes about his character. He's dedicated, loyal and a very welcomed addition to our WNY MMA family."  - Coach Michael "Dub" Dauenhauer

"Christian is one of the more humble and knowledgeable guys in the gym. He is always willing to work with people in any level. He always helps in correcting techniques, while being a nice guy about it." - Jordan "Speed", Member

Hope you enjoyed this weeks Buffalo NY Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing & Women's Fitness Member Feature!

Emilia Kruzel: Buffalo NY Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing & Women's Fitness Member Feature

Emilia Kruzel: Buffalo NY Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing & Women's Fitness Member Feature

This weeks featured fighter from Women's Fitness Member is EMILIA KRUZEL!

Buffalo NY Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing & Women's Fitness Member Feature

November 8, 2013

by Cara Nassar

Emilia is a self-proclaimed nerd.

She is a doctor. And by that I don't mean your typical shot-slinging, prescription writing, stethoscope-wearing doctor. 

She has her doctorate in the bio-molecular chemistry, and is a bit of a humanitarian, but you would never guess it. At least I never did.

But, I can honestly admire anyone that would give up making more money for the sake of doing something that they not only truly love, but that benefits the less fortunate populace. And she actually enjoys that aspect of it.

This one was truly, truly a pleasure, as I always appreciate sitting down with an intelligent mind and having an interesting conversation. I guess I can relate on that nerd level :)

How did you find us?

I moved to Buffalo in January and tried a few gyms. I saw the Groupon and felt I needed something different. Yoga studios made me homesick, so this was a refreshing change of pace!

Were you always into fitness?

Yes. I was a competitive swimmer for fourteen years. I started when I was 5 years old. I always worked out and took some martial arts. I did Tae Kwon Do for about 6 years and as I got older just wanted to do stuff to keep me sane. More recently, I’ve done a lot of yoga and running. When I was five, people thought that I was on steroids because I was jacked! I mean, I was a five year old with huge biceps, and they thought that my dad was giving me something because he is so intense when it comes to athletics [laughs]. But really, I was just a jacked five year old! [laughs].

What is your favorite thing about the Women’s program?

The classes are tough and the people here know what they are doing. Since I’ve been an athlete for a long time, I had specific questions and I wanted to see what the skill of instructors was. Overall I’ve been impressed! They know what they are talking about.

What is your least favorite thing?

Those red bags! I hate those.. the ones they make the girls workout on. Or another thing I don’t like is if I leave NOT super tired.

What are the biggest changes you’ve noticed from the program?

I started in April. I've been an athlete and worked out compulsively my whole like, but this is the strongest I've been in a long time. So strong that some of my shirts don’t fit across the shoulders anymore! [laughs] I don’t know if I’ve lost weight, but I sure have slimmed down and gotten a lot stronger. I also feel that a really tough workout is good for my sanity. I like feeling like I have a place where people know me and are interested in motivating me. It’s such a nice feeling.  It’s empowering. And I live alone in a new city so to feel so strong and empowered is great.

Who has influenced you the most?

Max and Steve. They both have taken an interest yelling in my ears when I want to stop doing push-ups. [laughs] Since I've been in martial arts I like seeing good athletes around it’s really motivating.

I know you have quite an interesting career, what exactly do you do?

I am a post-doctoral research scientist. I do medical research, studying a parasite that causes African sleeping sickness. It is a disease that is endemic to rural Africa. It’s transmitted by the tse-tse fly, and when it bites livestock or people it’s incurable and will kill the person, or livestock. It’s a completely fatal disease and a big problem for subsistence farmers.

How did you get where you are today with your career?

A LOT of school. I’ve been a huge nerd my whole life and the of the really tough classes in high school I liked biology the most. So I started my undergrad in genetic and molecular biology and then I did pre-med at Northwestern. I started learning about medical research and decided I wanted to do that over medical school. I did my PhD in bio-molecular chemistry at the University of Wisconsin Madison. All and all about a decade of school after high school. SO MUCH SCHOOL! I feel so old when I say that. [laughs]Anyway I graduated, took my post doctoral in Madison and my boss relocated here. I’m from Chicago originally, but I just kind of followed my boss and the work here.

Do you have any advice to someone seeking their doctorate, such as myself!?

If you are going to go to school for a long time, do something you really like, something that you are good at, and something that you are so interested in you are willing to make less money to keep your mind occupied with it.

What is the most interesting thing, in your opinion, about your work?

I guess what motivates me to do the work. First, these diseases that affect poor people don’t make a lot of money. Therefore drug companies have no interest in investing in them. There is a need for the public to invest, simply in the interest of humanity. Research technology and genome sequencing is at the point where our treatments and diagnostic abilities aren’t caught up with one another. I’m really interested in how genes contribute to disease. It’s two-fold for me.. it’s an important area to invest in but I also find it really fascinating.

What is your favorite thing about your work?

I get paid to think and I have a lot of freedom to design experiments and think about scientific problems in a way where I don’t have a boss telling me what to do with my time. Since I hate authority it’s a really good system for me. 

What is the most rewarding thing about your work?

Training scientists and helping them figure out if that’s their thing. I also love working on potential avenues for new drugs and new diagnostics. I couldn’t be a doctor, but I contribute to global doctors. The best way that I can describe it is that a medical doctor is like a mechanic, I’m more like an engineer.

What is something about you that people here don’t know? Besides that you’re a doctor!

[Laughs] I like travelling. I’ve been to Russia, Turkey, Japan, South and East Africa, Zanzibar. Mozambique and Tanzania. A bit of Europe. I like getting stamps on my passport. [laughs] Being an academic scientist, a perk is the flexibility I have with my schedule. I have the ability to take weeks off at a time. My sister and I went on a bunch of trips. We would pick a place and go for a few weeks. Sometimes work pays. They paid for my Japan trip. I spoke in Nagasaki. I was invited to give a short seminar on my PhD work, which was about a fungal disease.

What three words would you use to describe yourself?

Intense [Laughs]. Sarcastic and Nerdy.

“Emilia is a doctor. [laughs] She is the kind of girl that every trainer wants in their class. While most people slack when you turn your back, she pushes through even harder because she is that committed to her results.” 

– Steve “E-Tips” Horton 

“Emilia is definitely a leader in our classes; she’s always pushing everyone she works with to have the best workout.” Danielle McDonald, member

Hope you enjoyed this weeks Buffalo NY Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing & Women's Fitness Member Feature!

Anthony "Bubba" Norton: Buffalo NY Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing & Women's Fitness Member Feature

This weeks featured fighter from WNY MMA & Fitness is ANTHONY "BUBBA" NORTON

Buffalo NY Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing & Women's Fitness Member Feature

November 1, 2013

by Cara Nassar

Bubba, above all else, is a fighter.

They always say "be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."

This couldn't be farther from the truth for Bubba, and he has a hard story to tell, but it explains the motivation behind the true dedication of this kid.

It explains why I see him come in here day after day, fighting through it all, and why he finds such solace in this sport.

And it's the reason why we all know that he is going to make it, and not only that, that he's going to own it. 

I'm just happy to say I got the first official interview, and so it goes..


What is your story? How did you get into MMA?

I was always very athletic. In high school I started over seniors in varsity football as a freshman. I saw MMA on TV all the time and about 5 years ago I was watching Tito Ortiz and I took an interest. It made me want to fight and I wanted to try it. At the time I felt like I had heavy hands. I had been in street fights before. I felt like if I hit someone as hard as I could, I could knock out anybody. That’s not the case now, but it’s what I felt like at the time. Anyway, I researched on the internet, Googled events in Ohio, and called a matchmaker. I ended up winning my first fight, at 230 pounds, with no coaches, no team, and no training behind me. After that I trained in Jamestown, NY with Jay Wadsworth. I dropped from 230 pounds to 205 for my second fight. After that I switched to Knockout Factory and had two fights at 185 pounds. At that point my record was 1-3. I took some time off after that. About 8 months to a year. Then I came to WNY MMA & Fitness wanting to fight. At this point I was pushing 230 pounds again. Dub cut me down to 170 pounds and made me train a year and half. He made me wait until he thought I was ready.

So he wouldn’t let you fight?

He didn’t say I couldn’t fight, just that he would not represent me. But I wanted them in my corner, so I waited. I ended up with a 3-2 MMA record with this gym after waiting and 1-0 kickboxing record. Now I’ve been fighting for 4 years. My record now is 4-5 MMA and 1-0 kickboxing and my style has totally changed. Instead of trying to stand and hit people like I used to my experience has taken over and I’ve learned that anything can happen, so that wasn’t the best game plan for me.

I know that you answered this in a way before but, why WNY MMA & Fitness?

Like I said I was training in Jamestown and the Knockout Factory was like an hour from my house. I took a break and didn’t want to stop, but I was sick of traveling. I started looking more local and I was shopping around a bit. But when I came here and fell in love with atmosphere and people. I felt like ‘this is where I belong.’

What do you love about it here? Is there anything you don’t like?

Everything from cleanliness, to equipment that we need to train right, and the skill level of the guys here in both jiu-jitsu and kickboxing.  The amount of training partners and the fact that I always have someone to work with no matter what. Really there is nothing I don’t like.

What is your favorite fighting style and why?

Kickboxing and jiu-jitsu. I’m a mixed martial artsit and need to be able to stand on my feet and be on the ground.

How would you describe your own fighting style?

More freestyle. Whatever happens, happens either standing up or on the ground. I’m more of a ground and pound style. I like to ‘take ‘em down, beat em up.’ But whatever happens, happens. I’m ready for it.

What does it mean to you to be a fighter?

It means a lot. I had my first fight when my sister Jamie was around. She brutally murdered while I was training for my second fight. After I lost her I went 1-3. Most people would have quit. I stuck with it. I always think of her when I’m out there training. I think of how no one could hurt me as much as she was hurt. I’m always thinking of her. That’s what drives me. It gives me rage.

Tell me about winning your belt this past month!

I won it fighting for TNT. I won my first two TNT fights for them by submission in the first round. I didn’t have the greatest record, but I had tough fights and lots of experience so I deserved a shot at that title. I felt I was underestimated because of my high weight class and crappy record. But I proved everyone wrong. We went all 5 rounds and I won by decision. When they called my name it was a huge relief. It was such a war. I didn’t know if I had won or not. I thought I might have, but when you are caught up in the action you kind of forget the rest of the fight. Going into fourth round I wasn’t sure if it was the fourth or fifth round. I just remember Corey screaming at me “I NEED TWO MORE ROUNDS OUT OF YOU!” I just heard everyone screaming from my corner “HOW BAD DO YOU WANT THAT BELT?!” And I remember the crowd exploding every time I hit the guy.. that is what carried me through.

What was the first thing that went through your head when you won that belt?

I just felt so good. But it felt even better to have that belt put on my mother. When I won I called her into the cage and put it on her. For all she’s been through with my sister and every way she’s been there for me. If this all was hard on me I know it was ten times worse on her.

Do you have any rituals when getting ready for a fight?

I like to go see a priest and have a prayer said for both people. So I don’t get hurt. The last couple times I had Pete Meso’s dad say it. He’s a priest and a champion at 155 pounds. I’m not religious, but I do believe in God. I also like to watch home videos of my sister. And I often watch that Youtube video of my first fight and I can hear her screaming for me in the background.

Where did Bubba come from?

My grandfather named me that as a child because I was always a big, heavy guy. They always called me that as a kid. It stuck through football and sports into fighting. It never left me.

What is something about you people here don’t know?

About my sister. What drives me to be here every day. People know how hard I work, they just don’t understand why I do what I do, and why I am who I am. She was there for my first fight. While I was training for my second fight I lost her, then I lost 3 fights in a row. But it made me stick with it. Even though I lost three in a row I couldn’t quit I’d do anything I needed to keep my dream alive.

How was your relationship with your sister?

We were really close. She was a party animal, I’m more of a father figure, but we had a close bond. Growing up she idolized me, she was younger by six years. As she grew up we got closer and it was more like a friendship bond between us, but I still was father figure over her.

So rumor on the street is you want to go Pro?

That’s the plan. I want to make money. It’s fun and all, but I want to make a name for myself, travel, see the world and get paid to do it. The more I got into I progressed and got better and better month by month. Four years later and 70 pounds lighter, in different weight class.. I can just feel it inside. It came naturally with having fun with the training. Desire came after my first heavyweight fight at 230 pounds and I knocked someone out with no training. I’m lucky I got the matchup I did though. If I lost that fight might have never fought again. I got lucky. He was in a similar place, no training, just wanting to try it.. I might have quit if things didn’t go as they did who knows? For me to go pro I’ve got to go 155 and I’m fighting in a higher weight class right now.

Who here has influenced you the most?

Dub by accepting me as a teammate and not just some ‘Joe Schmoe’ coming in. He saw something in me others didn't and gave me a chance to do something in my life. Corey, Todd and Josh too. I look up to these guys. When I first came I said I just wanted to cross train.. be in and out. They said “no, this is not what they do, we are a team.” I got Dub on the ground, Corey for stand-up work, Josh with my wrestling and stand-up techniques, Todd as my boxing and conditioning.. and I have everyone to my advantage. There are so many people here willing to help with everything. I've made a lot of friends here.  Bayo, Steve, Sean Hennesey, Jeremy, Jordan, Mike Ruopoli, Paul Mercado, Niilo.. I apologize if I forgot anybody, I consider everyone here a friend.

What was the hardest thing for you to overcome in your training?

Dieting. It’s hard to stay on a strict diet and I eat foods that aren’t good for me. Especially because I was a heavier guy I always feel like I can eat more than I really can.

What is your plan to cut weight?

To diet I eat meats and veggies, salad and greens, lots of fruits, and I drink mostly water. I usually taper down about a month out and the closer I get to the fight the less water I drink.  I’m at 170-welter weight right now.

“When you look up commitment in the dictionary there is a picture of Bubba” – Coach Dan “DJ RoundHouse” Dorfman

“When Bubba came here he was overweight with a losing record, but after years of commitment and dedication, he dropped over a hundred pounds and now holds a 170 pound championship belt and will soon be challenging for the 155 pound title. That speaks for itself, actions speak louder than words.” – Coach Corey “The Story” Webster

"Bubba is the "scrapper". I love this man. Since I started at the gym he as been one of my main sparring partners. He helped me out a lot and pushed me to be my best and let me know I could do things I didn't know I could do. I can tell he has the warrior's spirit. He will never quit this sport, I am sure about that. Keep an eye on this guy!" - Bayo "Bacon" Torres, Kid's MMA Class Assistant Coach

"Bubba is my brother. That is to say I love the guy like the brother I never had. Tough as nails. Refuses to quit. Loyal. Determined. A great student, training partner and friend. He also has big, brass Cojones! Never backing down from a fight. He's proof that hard work beats talent every time. Nothing makes me more proud as a coach then watching guys like Bubba go out there and represent WNY MMA." - Coach Michael "Dub" Dauenhauer

Bubba would like to thank all of his sponsors for all the help along the way. AAA Trash Be Gone (Lancaster, NY), Catt-Rez Smoke Shop (Irving, NY), 4Play Nightclub (Downtown Chippewa), Whitey’s Pub (Hamburg, NY) Lil Guys Pizza (Silvercreek, NY), Razors Brakes and Mufflers (Angola, NY) and Edie's Pizzeria (Hamburg, NY) and of course WNY MMA & Fitness!

Hope you enjoyed this weeks Buffalo NY Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing & Women's Fitness Member Feature!