Name: Fred Mandracchia
Height: 5'5
Fight Weight:135
School: Ind.
City/State Born: Chelsea, ma.
1. When and Why did you get into MMA??
In 2008 a friend of mine invited my older brother and myself to his house to watch a UFC PPV. Up until then, the last UFC I had seen was UFC 5. The night of the fights, I found out that, the person who had invited us is a BJJ fighter who had placed in the top three of every tournament he had competed in, and that he was willing to teach.
After a short couple of months, I took a fight and, although I would never recommend anyone take a fight with as little training as I had, I would not do it differently if I could. Despite having no home gym for most of the time I have been involved in the sport, and despite having as little training as I had, I still managed to go 3-3 in my last 6 am fights.
2. Do you have a background in martial arts, boxing , wrestling etc?
As a kid, I had trained in Traditional Martial Arts (TMA) and I competed in full contact karate at age 10
3. What's you nickname, how did you get it?
Before a fight, a friend suggested we come up with something funny so when I was introduced in front of 1,500 people, it would be funny and help with the nerves every fighter has at that point. So, we took "Lord" out of "Sith Lord" from the star wars movies, and "Drac" from my last name and, there it was " Lord Drac". Neither of us realized it sounded so sinister.
4. What are your ultimate goals in the sport?
Unlike many guy's out there, I have never had any delusions regarding MMA. Some guys make it to the big show, just like some people hit the lottery... The old disclaimer: "Many will enter, few will win" comes to mind when I think about it. No, my goals are a lot more realistic. I simply want to gain enough experience to eventually open up my own gym so that I can do what I love to do all day every day, and still be able pay the bills. Going undefeated, and winning a belt in my home promotion (AFO) would be nice as well but, we will let the future tell itself.
5. What do you think about your next opponent?
My next opponent is Christian Rivera, a veteran of over 10 professional bouts. I have alot of respect for this guy in particular because, not only was he was one of the first local fighters I had watched fight in my weight class but, this guy has and will fight on a moments notice regardless of the opponents credentials.
6. How do you see the fight going/being finished?
I see it ending in my favor however, I cannot say how. Every fight is different as are the endings.
7. What weight do you walk at/how much do you cut to fight?
I am walking close to 145 these days so, It's a simple cut unlike some of the guy's i train with who cut 20-30 pounds.
8. What's your favorite part about fighting?
The Roar of the crowd
9. What's the worst part about fighting?
Sitting in the sauna sweating out every drop of water I can.
10. Anyone locally or in the big's that you really would love to fight, and why?
I would love to be able to have a third fight with Anthony "Skwirl" Carmenatty. We are one win a piece, and I wanna Put that to rest ASAP. Aside from that, I will fight whoever the boy's of the AFO put in front of me.
11. What do you feel is your best weapon in your fights?
That would have to be my grappling. Two out of three of my amateur wins were by submission.
12. What is your favorite foods that you miss while cutting weight??
Ice cream and MC Donald's angus burgers.
13. What is your most memorable moment to date in MMA??
Well, my most memorable moment would have to have been my second fight with Anthony "skwirl" Carmenatty. This took place only six days after our first fight, and that very day I was told by well respected fighters not to even go out there. I was asked what made me think I can win when less than a week ago he had submitted me. In The first fight however, I had learned he had zero free style wrestling. I used this to my advantage in the rematch, and I went on to beat him all three rds. 30-27 30-27 30-27. When the same people who had told me not to fight, congratulated me, that was the best feeling.
Give a Shout out to your coaches, family anybody...
I would like to thank the guy's at the gym for always beating the turd outta me, my mom who told me at 5 yrs old " win or lose, you fight... or I will kill you myself", Dad who, got me into sport fighting, Pete Dilorenzo, Mark Vaz, Rich O'sullivan, Kayla Welch, Kris Monson, Mel, Cass, Scotty Mac, as well as all my friends and fam.... theres just too many positive people to mention.
I'm really excited for this fight....first and foremost, Fred popped my MMA cherry...;) He was my first fight back in September of 2010, and he took the fight on short notice. He was nothing but cool as hell after our fight, and we've become friends since. Fred is ready to make the step up to pro, and I think Rivera is a perfect test for his first fight!! Best of luck Fred, I, and westernMassMMA will be there watching, and covering the event!! Thanks alot Fred for taking the time to answer our questions!! Remember, Fred will be fighting this Friday for the AFO!! Message him on Facebook for tickets!
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