EXCLUSIVE MMABay interview with UFC bantamweight star, Antonio Banuelos
MMABay sat down for an EXCLUSIVE interview with former WEC bantamweight veteran, Antonio Banuelos to speak to him about his recent switch over to the UFC and his massive upcoming fight with former 135 pound champion, Miguel Torres at UFC 126 on February 5th.
Hi Antonio,
Thank you for taking the time to sit down with MMABay and answer a few of our questions.
Banuelos – Yeah, thanks for having me.
MMABay – You were last in action on the WEC 51 card, defeating fellow bantamweight contender, Chad George on the night. What are your thoughts on how the fight went and where does it rank in your list of victories to date?
Banuelos – The fight went well because I got the win, I wish I could’ve pressured the action a little bit more. It felt great to get a win coming off of a loss.
MMABay – You’ve successfully made the switch over from the WEC to the UFC and will no doubt be looking to make the octagon your new home in the coming months. What are your thoughts and feelings about the switch?
Banuelos – I’m really excited and pumped about the switch, it’s going to be really cool to fight for the UFC fans.
MMABay – Your next opponent is former WEC bantamweight champion, Miguel Torres in what could be classed as the biggest of your career to date. What does it mean to you to not only be making your UFC debt, but doing it against one of the biggest names at 135 pounds?
Banuelos – It means the world to me, all the years of training and past fights have lead to this moment in my career.
MMABay – How’s training going for the fight and how are you preparing for a fighter who is so well rounded both on the feet and on the ground?
Banuelos – Training is going great. I have been training my ass off for this fight. I’m ready for a stand up fight or a ground war, against someone like Miguel you have to be ready for both. I just have to stick to my game plan.
MMABay – Torres has lost twice in the past eighteen months to Brian Bowles and Joseph Benavidez. How much can you take from those fights and is there anything in particular you feel you can use during your own fight with him?
Banuelos – I’ve watched all his fights both, wins and losses with my trainers John Hackleman and Chuck Liddell. They’ve came up with a strategy and I’m going to stick to it.
MMABay – Where do you feel a potential win over someone like Torres puts you in the newly formed UFC bantamweight ranks?
Banuelos – I don’t really care about the rankings too much, I just hope it puts me in line for a title shot or closer to it.
MMABay – Moving away from your own situation for just a second, you’ve worked alongside UFC “Hall of Famer” Chuck Liddell at The Pit for years. Can you give us a few words about him as a friend, training partner and a legend of the sport?
Banuelos – Chuck is the best thing to happen to me as a friend, training partner, and mentor. I wouldn’t be where I’m at today without his help. It was an honour to be around his training camps and watch him fight. He’s the man!
MMABay – Finally, for any new fans that will be tuning in for the first time on February 5th, what can we expect from you at UFC 126?
Banuelos – They can expect a fast paced fight, lots of energy and excitement. I’m going to fight to win and leave it all in the cage.
MMABay – Have you got any sponsors you’d like to mention or people you’d like to thank before we finish?
Banuelos – I want to thank everyone at The Pit, SLO Kickboxing, and Athlon Elite, and a special thanks to John Hackleman, Chuck Liddell, Cruz Gomez, Adrien Iriarte, Mike “the 1 I like” Gahan, Luke Riddering, Justin Fraiser and Eric Schmitt.
MMABay – Thanks for taking the time to speak to MMABay.
Banuelos – No problem, and thanks for the interview.
(An exclusive interview for MMABay.co.uk)
By Michael Pepper. (Follow me on Twitter)
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