Roger Huerta - I Want It More

thebwit · 03-19-2010, 01:39 PM

I told you guys I would get this interview up today. Thanks to all who helped with the questions. The full interview is below and can also be found at mmarecap.com

Quote:

Recapping With Roger Huerta - I Know I Want It More
by Brent Todd - 03-19-2010

Roger Huerta recently signed with Bellator to compete in their second season lightweight tournament. His addition has sparked a lot of discussion after many had thought he would be signing with Strikeforce after the UFC. MMA Recap's Brent Todd sat down with Huerta to discuss why he chose Bellator, his thoughts on the tournament, training in Thailand and more.

How'd you get into mixed martial arts?
One of my ex teammates at Oxford college. I was wrestling up there. He was into the amateur mma at the time. We went to watch him one time to support him and I saw it and said I want to get into this you know. So I did, and eventually it became a hobby / side job to help pay for my bills and student loans.

Was there any discussions with Strikeforce or DREAM or was it just Bellator?
Yes we were in talks with Strikeforce. I let my manager Jeff Clark do all the discussions. In the beginning we were leaning towards Strikeforce. But then Jeff brought up the tournament format with Bellator and said you could fight four times this year. Obviously three times in 12 weeks and then the fourth being a super fight with the current champion. To me that in and of itself was like "Whoa". It's going to be a tough road, a tough mountain to climb having to fight a fight each month but I believe I can do it. So that's what really got me intrigued by them. The ability to move up the ranks very quickly.

Any particular opponent that you want to face first in the tournament?
I don't know who my opponent is. I would assume that they should know by now. To tell you the truth, this is a tournament. You can't look too much into what everyone else does and what their style is. All I can do is prepare myself in all aspects of the game in mixed martial arts. I need to train my butt off and to train to dictate the fight and the pace. I need to bring the fight to them. I am really focused on winning it. I haven't looked too much at the other competitors. Mentally I really don't care who's in this tournament. I know that I am hungry, I know that I want it more. That's the mindset I have going into this.

What part do you think could be a hinderance?
Anything can happen in any fight. A cut could happen or an injury could take place. Even if you win the fight you could sustain an injury that you have to take with you into the next fight. The thing about the tournament is that all of us, especially myself, are looking to finish the fight as quick as possible with minimal injuries.

How do you think you match up with Alvarez?
I think we match up well. He's one of those guys that is straight forward and doesn't back down. When you got two bulls going at it that way you know fireworks will happen. Bombs will be thrown from all different angles and the pace is going to be intense. It would be an awesome fight for myself, him, and for the fans.

If you win the Bellator tournament, do you plan to stay with Bellator? Is your contract for just this season or is it for longer?
The plan is to stay with Bellator and to be their champion. Hopefully things go well with them.

Which fight was your favorite?
Man there's been so many. I gotta say my fight with Clay, Garcia, Alberto fight was awesome. That fight was awesome because a lot of people underrated my jiu jitsu defense and I was able to go at it with one of the best. Every fight has been really special to me.

Your fight with Gray Maynard, what was your take on that fight?
I thought I won that fight. I thought I won the first and the second round and that Gray obviously took over in the third. I thought he would have to make me submit or knock me out. It was my fault for leaving it up to the judges and my hat is off to Gray.

Which fight did you learn the most from?
My fight with Clay Guida. That fight with Guida made me realize I need to push some things up. At the same time, that was my fifth fight that year, but I still came away from that knowing I had to push some things up.

Where are you calling home for your training camp now?
I am calling Austin Texas home now. I came back here gradually starting last April and now I am here. We are looking for a place to set up shop.

How was training in Thailand?
It was a blessing. It was a blessing that I am so grateful that it happened. It needed to happen. It has changed me so much. Mentally, physically and especially my stand up. I went to Tiger Muay Thai. It's a camp base but they are starting to add some mma aspect. A lot of the trainers teach you Muay Thai, but also teach you how to use it in an mma fight. I had phenomenal training there. I trained with Cru Yad and Cru Nai. And these two guys, they pushed me. They got the best out of me every day I was there.

What's the significance of your red tattoo?
That's a story for a different day. One day I will tell you. It means a lot of things to me and one day I will say what it means.

How did you get the nickname "El Matador"?
I got the nickname from my trainers back in the day. I used to be called "The Texas Kid" cause I was a nineteen year old kid beating a lot of the men. But eventually my trainers didn't like that name so they started calling me El Matador. I didn't like it at first because I thought the matadors were these guys who wear pink tights and what not. Pat Mene told me that the reason they called me the matador is because I fight so methodical and that I fight very cool and collective.

Any movie roles coming up or movies that you filmed already that aren't out yet?
No. I filmed Tekken and then I filmed a short film called "A Circle of Pain" with Heath Herring. But that was a couple months back. I went back to New York to work on my acting with Mickey Rourke and my acting coach, Elisebeth Kemp.

what do you like to do when you aren't training?
I spend a lot of time with my mom. I take her out the movies. I train quiet a bit, I do a lot of strength and conditioning. I like to be outdoors mainly. Anything that involves activity and the sun being out.

What's your favorite cereal?
Puffins. I like the peanut butter ones and the cinnamon.

Any sponsors you want to thank?
Bad Boy, and I want to thank my trainers, friends, family for all the support. Chris Markus, Sean , Dave Mene, Jeff Clark, Mom, my girlfriend Jessica Poter and her family. Tiger Muay Thai in Thailand for making me feel at home being away from home. The guys at Golds Gym in south Austin, the city of Austin for welcoming me back home. And Bellator for giving me the opportunity to be apart of this tournament. Finally I want to thank God for all his blessings.

mattc25 · 03-19-2010, 04:09 PM

.....nice interview bro!

MetallicKnight3X · 03-19-2010, 06:54 PM

wish he wouldve stayed in minneapolis.. probably got sick of the cold. nothin but well wishes for el matador

willpunisher · 03-19-2010, 10:38 PM

damn he was in thailand? fuck. should had taken shields and the other bump and grinders with him. His stand up was already awesome. imagine now! damn i'm excited once april 8 comes around! can't wait to see him win the tournie and go to war with alvarez!