Age: 23
Height: 5'8
Fight Weight: 135 lbs
Team: Team Pradal Serey
Fight Record: 2-3
City/State Born: Salem, Ma.
1. When and Why did you get into MMA??
I got into MMA in the summer of 2010 because I needed some type of competition in my life and I always liked to fight, so it was a great combination at the time.
2. Do you have a background in martial arts, boxing , wrestling etc?
I have no backround in any fight sports prior to joining TPS aside from some street scraps. Training with my team has made up for that and then some!
3. What's your nickname, how did you get it?
"The Green Mantis" was given to me as my warrior name the night before my first fight. Everyone on TPS recieves this and then is challenged to live up to it. The Green Mantis is small but is a fierce fighter that can kill animals much bigger such as spiders, birds and rodents. He is a smart fighter and a warrior of the animal kingdom and it is up to me to live up to that!
4. What are your ultimate goals in the sport?
My ultimate goal in the sport is to train as hard as I can every single time I enter the gym so when I do get to the UFC I am fully prepared to be a champion. I just want everyone to know I have never and will never take the easy road to anywhere I go in life and this is no different!
5. What do you think about your next opponent?
I respect him enough to not talk down to him. I just want him to bring his best that night. He will have to bring more than just a game face to beat me.
6. How do you see the fight going/being finished?
I will just say I don't train to lose! I will enter the cage and take care of business no matter where the fight goes on sept 16th!
7. What weight do you walk at/how much do you cut to fight?
My comfortable walking weight is 145, because I am fighting at 130 I have been walking around about 140 for this fight.
8. What's your favorite part about fighting?
I love EVERYTHING about fighting, but my favorite part is getting punched and kicked. I LOVE getting hit... but I will swing back
9. What's the worst part about fighting?
My least favorite part of fighting is when the round ends because I have to stop for a bit, I get so into the fight, I just hate to stop!
10. Anyone locally or in the big's that you really would love to fight, and why?
I will never call anyone out, I will let our manager do that, but I assure you he will never call out less than the best. I want the VERY BEST every fight and I think my track record shows that. You dont learn anything by fighting less than the best. My last fight with Kin Moy was a tough 3 rd dec loss but I learned so much and I have great respect for him as a fighter and person, but I know I am better than what I showed. The person I want to fight now is Kody Nordby sept 16th!
11. What do you feel is your best weapon in your fights?
I think my best weapon is that I can fight anywhere the fight takes me. It is just about discovering and using my tools more. I feel very comfortable standing and on the ground. My teammates push me in everything every time we go to the gym. I am the smallest guy there so I have to work that much harder when Ricardo Georges is trying to beat me up!
12. What is your favorite foods that you miss while cutting weight??
Ice cream, I used to eat like 2 gallons every 3 days lol...I really miss ice cream!
13. What is your most memorable moment to date in MMA??
My fight with Tom Evans, who was a great standup fighter, we went at it for 3 rds and getting my hand raised was such a great feeling. I was just happy to be involved in such a great fight!
14. How else do you spend your time when you are not training??
When I am not training I am working or spending time with my girlfriend or family. It is not often so I cherish the time I get to spend with those who support me so much in and out of the cage.
15. What do you do for a living besides fighting??
I work at an assisted living home FT in the dining room
I would like to thank my family, friends and fans of TPS! People that support me and believe in me mean EVERYTHING to me and fuel me to get to the big show. I would like to especially thank my brothers Mike (twin) and Chris for making me the fighter I am today in MMA. They are my biggest fans and used to beat me up all the time!
I would Also like to thank my whole TPS family. It is bigger than anyone will ever understand. They are my family. The fighters push me to limits not many people have been to and I love that. Kru Saroeum and Kru Louis have put so much time into me and believed in me, they have not only lifted my fight career but they have uplifted my life....TPS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for taking the time to do this Featured Fighter, Matt. We have seen many of your fights and wish you the best of luck. Like Matt said he is an all around great fighter, great in every aspect of the sport. Come see him fight on Sept 16th at the AFO Perfect Storm against Kody Nordby!!
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