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January 4, 2012

Featured Fighter: Thomas Evans


Name: Thomas Evans
Age: 24
Height: 6’1
Fight Weight: 145
School: Team United Muay Lao/ Tri Force MMA
Record: 1-0 Pro, Kickboxing 9-1(Ammy)
City/State Born: Central Falls, Rhode Island



1. When and Why did you get into MMA??


Well, to be honest I got into full contact fighting when I was 18 when Todd “The Hulk” Chattelle and I were bouncers at a night club in providence RI, He knew of my Kenpo Karate background and at the time I was a 3rd degree Black Belt in Sullivan’s America Kenpo, Nick Cerios Kenpo and Shaolin Karate, He told me if I was committed he would train me and get me going, So I trained with him for 3 months and took my first Amateur Kickboxing match in 2007. I went 9-1 as an amateur kickboxer doing both American and International. I took my first Amateur MMA fight in NJ in 2008 and won, then fought in November of 2010 with AFO.

The reason I got into MMA is because it is the ultimate challenge mentally, physically and spiritually. As a lifelong martial artist, I feel training MMA just makes me a complete Martial Artist, which is a journey and goal of mine. I teach martial arts to students ages 3-60 and I feel that if I can look them in the eyes and say hey I've been there and done that it just makes me that much better of a Sensei “Teacher”.



2. Do you have a background in martial arts, boxing , wrestling etc?

I hold a 4th degree now in Sullivan’s American Kenpo.

3. What's your nickname, how did you get it?


My nickname is “Captain America”, when I was younger my Martial Arts competition team was called Team USA which traveled all over New England and the country to compete in karate tournaments, so I became very patriotic and always wore and to this day still wear Red White and Blue. Also as a kid I hated bullies just like Captain America and I still do. Todd [Chattelle]  gave me the nickname when we formed Team United Muay Lao back in 2008. I also always grew up watching the movies and reading the comics.. I mean come on who doesn't love Captain America!!!

4. What are your ultimate goals in the sport?

Honestly to become a complete well rounded Martial Arts fighter and MMA will get me there. I want to be well rounded and have a complete fight game, which will only in turn get my students better. I honestly don’t ever think of making to the UFC or a big promotion, I like to take it one day at a time with MMA, but hey if I get a call along the journey why not take the shot.

5. What do you think about your next opponent?

I respect Doug Sonier, he has fought 2 guys who are currently on the UFC Roster and is a very game fighter. I think his past really hurts him and I have nothing against his past. I respect all of my opponents, However it’s a fight and a fight is what I am prepared to bring!!

Sik photo courtesy of Rich O

6. How do you see the fight going/being finished?

HAHAHHA Well honestly he says he wants to stand and bang so let’s make some fireworks, one of us is going down in the 1st round for sure.

7. What weight do you walk at/how much do you cut to fight?


I walk at 170 so I usually take fights on a 3 month notice so I can diet and get a good camp in, so I cut 25 lbs in 3 months usually. This fight I took because he backed out in November due to an injury and then 2 days after my fight he said he wanted to fight in January so I wasn't going to let the offer pass.

8. What's your favorite part about fighting?

The thrill… when I step in that cage and the Referee asks you if you are ready and the cage door is shut, the lights are on and knowing this guy across from you wants to beat you up in front of the ones you love, after all the training and dedication. When I fight I honestly just love the fact that I really don’t worry about the guy I am fighting, I am a very competitive guy, but honestly if I can beat the Tom that stepped into the fight the last time I was in the cage then I know I have improved and I guess that’s the best feeling in the world, knowing you have improved as a man, fighter and martial artist.

9. What's the worst part about fighting?

Most people would say losing I mean yea it sucks to lose but I feel you only learn from a loss and push yourself to get better. Losing doesn't bother me as long as I left it all in the cage. So I would have to say weight cutting, I LOVE ice cream hahaha so I hate being restricted to not having any during fight camp.

10. Anyone locally or in the big's that you really would love to fight, and why?

As I said I take it one day at a time and I know I have so much work to do to even be considered so honestly I fight whoever my coaches tell me to fight.

11. What do you feel is your best weapon in your fights?


I would have to say my stand up and reach, there are not too many 6’1 145ers out there.

12. What is your favorite foods that you miss while cutting weight??


Ice Cream as I mentioned, I love oriental food like Fur, Sticky Rice, Spanish food hahaha and Wendys.

13. What is your most memorable moment to date in MMA??

Winning my Pro Debut against Christian Rivera with a spinning back Kick TKO in the 1st round, I felt like nobody that night could have beaten me. He had me in a tough spot and I was able to sweep him and get it back to the feet, I trained so hard for that fight against Sonier/ Rivera and coming off a split decision Ammy Loss in which I broke my hand 30 seconds into the fight just made it feel that much better. I proved to myself I can compete and do well.

Tom getting it done against a very tough Christian Rivera

14. How else do you spend your time when you are not training??

When I’m not working or training I try to live a somewhat normal life, going out with friends, spending time with the people I care about, going bowling/movies. I am not a big club fan seeing that work in one but I do lounges. I love sports and try to go to games every chance I get. I am a ride or die New England fan.

15. What do you do for a living besides fighting??

Well I am an academic advisor at Tolman High school and Blackstone Academy in Pawtucket RI with a nonprofit organization called the College Crusade of RI. So I work in the schools preparing students for college and life from 7 to 4 pm and then teach martial arts and fitness kickboxing/train for fights from 4:30-10 pm. Martial Arts and teaching truly is my life, it’s all I know I guess. I also work security for clubs as a side job.


I want to thank the 2 most important people in my life, my parents they have been and will always be there for me no matter if I am up or down. Lately I have gone through so much and I can count on them to always be there. My sister who is my good luck charm .. I want to thank my second father and Muay Lao coach William Soukhamthath who is one of the reasons I fight, I try to make him proud and help grow Muay Lao any way I can. He truly cares about his students and devotes his life to them, you have to respect that. My MMA Coach Keith Jefferies @ Tri Force MMA in Pawtucket RI, My training Partners, teammates, Coach Charlie Sampalis who helped with my kickboxing when I was younger, Hanshi Larry Sullivan, Shihan Robin Sullivan, Shihan Angelo Olivera and Shihan Jon Pinault who has helped me grow in martial arts and life since the age of 4, The USA KARATE FAMILY and of course My Sponsors Prime Athletics, Quality Auto Repair- Central Falls RI, DJ Carlos Cancino- Providence RI, Anne Spalter Studios- Pawtucket RI, Mansion Nursing Home- Central Falls RI, and Global Resource Partners LLC-Retail Packaging and Brand Solutions. Also WesternMassMMA.com for putting this all together and featuring me as a fighter.

Thank you Tom for the kind words.  I hope as you all read this that you realize Tom is a tremendous asset to the sport of mixed martial arts world in New England.  As he stated above he is very active and trains fighters.  His hard work shows in his fights and he still has such a bright future ahead for him.  You can't go wrong when Todd Chattelle gets you into MMA!  Good luck to you Tom.  Come see Tom fight on January 13th and get your tickets at www.afomma.com.



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