Name: Billy Giovanella
Fight Weight:135lbs
School: Connors MMA
Record:2-0 Pro
City/State: CT
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| Billy's Ammy Debut at Cage Titans "Carnage" 11/5/2010. The first time I met Billy. Here he is choking out Matt Marshall to earn Sub.OTN. |
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| Billy proudly walking out of the cage with his newly earned Submission of the night trophy. 11/5/2010 |
1. When and Why did you get into MMA??
A little over 2 years ago I began trainning MMA, I did the Bay State Games with a couple
of seniors that I was helping get ready to go off and wrestle in college.
2. Did you have a background in martial arts, boxing , wrestling etc prior to being a licensed in MA?
I started wrestling in HS for Carmine Colace at Franklin, who has been the coach now for 20 plus years
and is one of the most well respected HS Wrestling coaches in New England.
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| Giovanella controls Paiva Jr.at Cage Titans "Vengeance" 4/1/2011 |
Wolverine, my first fight I warmed up in a wolverine comic t-shirt and the name stuck, I've always
loved the character in movies, definatly the bad ass rouge of the bunch!!!
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| Here "Wolverine" is pressuring young Kody Nordby at AFO "Glory" 7/15/2011 |
I got into MMA by just calling some local gyms and seeing if they taught MMA. I had a wrestler friend from HS who
was already training so I went to go check it out.
6. What does family think of your passion for combat sports? Do you have children? Are they involved in the martial arts? Do you have a spouse or significant other? What role do they play in helping you prepare for combat?
My wife thinks I'm nuts for doing this, but she is my biggest fan. She doesn't miss a fight!!! No kids for me... yet!!
We have 3 Dogs which we consider our kids(furry ones!!) We also foster dogs as well so my house is always full!!
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| Some hard earned hardware makes that "W" worth every ounce of effort. Giovanlla takes AFO's 135lb Ammy Title at Night of Champions 4/13/2012 |
Getting the W!!!, I love it all, the training, the friendships along the way and just all in all being in great shape.
Makes you feel great, like you can take on the world!!
9. Can you describe for us what it is like to discipline yourself as you prepare to make weight and develop or improve skill sets before fight night? Do you feel like your team plays a significant role in that discipline?
My Team is awesome, we have a core group of guys that pushes each other to the limit and beyond. As for being disiplined,
you have to be just as mentally tuff to deal with all the other things going on with the sport.
10. In your time as a competitor what stands out to you most when a promotion offers you a bout? Have you ever turned down a potential match? If so why? Could you offer the up and coming combatants any advice in these situations?
My First pro fight was great, I had the promoter telling me you only get one chance for a pro debut, make
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| Giovanella enters the cage for Jimmy Burchfield Sr. and Classic Entertainment and Sports MMA event "Proving Grounds" 6/15/2012 as an 0-0 Pro. |
to work or family. If you wanna keep getting better in this sport you're eventually gonna have to fight everyone.
11. For your last fight what measures did you take to ensure a victory? What was the training like in the 2 months prior to the fight? Did you crosstrain? If so, who with?
My last fight I took on some what of short notice. Theo Dejardin had an oppenant back out and I offered to fill in. I'm moving
down to fly weight so i wanted to get some fights in at 130 catchweight and he agreed. I always train like im getting ready
for a fight. We often have the studs from NEXUS Martial arts come down on saturdays to spar. Especially Jeff Perez. He has great striking and solid wrestling
a great guy to keep you moving, and laught your ass off too!!!
12. How else do you spend your time when you are not training?
If I'm not at home speding time with my wife and kids, ( the furry Ones). I'm at work. I am The Executive Chef of Tavolino Restaurant
down at Patriot Place. That place keeps me plenty busy!!!!
Billy would like to give a shout out at this point. When asked who he would like to recognize he answered
"All My teamates, at Connors MMA!"
I would like to thank Billy for his time. It is a great feeling that I get when I have the rare opportunity to learn more about one of my favorite local fighters. As you can see I've been following Billy since he started out. I will continue to follow his career and support his efforts. Can't wait to see him bring his game to Western MA next week. Get it Billy...
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