As posted on the UG
Wrom: TLBXFGGMEP
Date: 10-Apr-03 01:08 AM
Member Since: 01-Jan-01
1079 Total Posts

Who do you train with?

Currently I train at the Millennia Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Pomona California with Romie Aram, John Alessio, John Jensen, and all of my students and friends. I also train under Rodrigo Medeiros in San Diego, and I have been training from time to time with Jean-Jaque Machado in Tarzana.


(Leo) How long of your been training for MMA?

To fight, about 3 years or so.


(Leo) What kind of a background do you have?

Wrestling 12 years, Jiu Jitsu 6 1/2 years, and boxing about 3 years.


(Leo) What got you into Mixed Martial Arts?

During the end of my wrestling career I watched UFC 4 and ever since then I have been hooked. I thought to myself "I can do that stuff". I was really into the way Royce was finishing his opponents. I always thought that my flexibility and speed would help me in jiu-jitsu.


(Leo) Tell us some about your fight against Rumina Sato.

No one really knew who I was and going into that fight I was supposed to get killed. I knew I could beat him and so did my team. It never really dawned on me who I was fighting until his entrance music started playing. All I could think to myself was "they were not kidding, they really want me to fight with that guy."

We came up with a game plan and I stuck to it. It could have been more exciting but I did not want to get into a scramblefest with that guy. I wanted to control him, hit him when I could and look for a finish. I did everything I wanted except finish him. I have had the opinion to never fight for a decision, I always try to finish my opponent whether it be in jiu-jitsu or in a fight. Even though I didn't finish him . I did my best on that night and I don't think I could have done better.

In my opinion I never want to leave my fait in the hands of another person. I did what I had to do to win and get myself on the map.

(Leo) What did you think of your fight against Alberto Crane?
My whole game plan was to do the exact opposite of what I ended up doing. There was only one problem, I got injured. You cannot train for a situation like that, and I can honestly say that it was the experience of a lifetime. I have never had to adjust to a situation like that in my entire career. To completely have one part of your game taken away was the hardest thing in the world to experience. If someone can shut you down, fine. They are a better fighter on that particular night. But to physically not be able to stand and have your game limited with a person of Alberto Crane's skill level was the experience of a lifetime.

People always say "experience is everything. Your opponent might be better than you but if you are more experienced you automatically have that "mental edge" on them." Others say "you can't buy experience". I have always trained for the worse and I can honestly say that I was not ready for that. It is an experience that I will never forget in my entire life.


(Leo) How do you think the fight would have gone if not for the injury?

KO Round 1.

(Leo) I honestly thought you squeaked out the decision. What did you think of the decision?
The first time I saw the fight was the very next day and I can honestly say that the worst case scenario for me was a draw. I don't think he did enough to take my belt but things happen and the decision went to him that night. I can live with it. I feel I have gained more from that loss than I have from any other win and that was a very pleasant surprise.


(Leo) How is your knee?

Fantastic! I am about 5 weeks ahead of schedule and I feel much better this time around than the last time I had the same surgery. I have had my full range of motion since the second week after surgery. It is all about making it stronger and not doing something stupid. That is my doctor's biggest fear, that I am going to re-injure it doing something dumb.

(Leo) There were a lot of rumors about a big verbal brawl between you and KOTC promoter Trebli****. Can you elaborate on what actually happened?

There was no verbal brawl, we just don't talk anymore. In order for there to be a verbal brawl we would have to be on talking terms.


(Leo) Do you plan on fighting for KOTC again?

I don't know if I will ever be back at all, so to make a decision now on whether I am fighting for KOTC or anyone else right now would be premature.

Leo) How do you fell you would stack up to someone like Takanori Gomi, or Shaolin?
They would both be fun fights. I feel I stack up well against both of them. I feel I am a better wrestler than Gomi so it would be interesting to see how he would fight an entire fight off of his back. Shaolin would probably be one of my toughest fights but I think it would also be one of my most enjoyable fights due to the skills he possesses. I would love to fight either one of them if I do decide to come back.


(Leo) When will we see you in the ring again?

I honestly don't know. All I am worried about is getting better. If I could have my way I would say that some time in October or November of this year but that might be wishful thinking. I don't want to injure my knee for a third time so I am going to take my time and recover the best I can. If I feel 100%, I will fight again, if not I won't it is just that simple. I feel I am one of the best lightweights in the world and I feel I can beat any of the top guys but I am also realistic. Injuries happen and if I don't feel I can do what I expect myself to do or train the way I expect myself to train I will not allow myself to step into a ring or a cage at less than 100%.


(Leo) Is there anything that you would like to add?

I would like to thank all of my friends who have stuck with me trough thick and thin Romie and John Jensen for all of their love and support even through the toughest times. They will not let me let go of my dreams and I love them for it.

I would also like to thank my Mother Norma and Sister Nayra who have done everything to help me throughout my entire life. Without them I don't know where I would be and I can honestly say that they have gone far and beyond what any reasonable person could expect out of their family.

My girlfriend Heather who I love very much and has stood by the through the hardest thing I have ever had to endure.

Finally I would like to thank everyone who posted positive things on the Internet about my last fight. All of the support I have received and the things people have said is what has allowed me to remain positive.

Thanks and God Bless.

What a great guy! I met his girlfriend at the Copa, she is perfect for him! Hope he recovers fully & gets back to doing great things!

Mr. Vasquez has incredible skills. I hope he recovers quickly and comes back to the ring better than ever. The sport, and especially that weightclass can't afford to lose him.