by John Fullilove, Jackson's MMA Series
jacksonsmmaseries.com: How did you get started in MMA?
Tony Lopez: In 2004, I found this local gym in Highland and started training and got fighting in King of the Cage. That’s how it started.
jacksonsmmaseries.com: What was your motivation to start training in MMA?
Tony Lopez: When I was young I was thinking about what career I wanted when I got older. It was boxing at the time. As time went on the UFC came out and I said, “Hey, I got a better chance at that then with boxing.” That was it right there and I fell in love with the sport.
jacksonsmmaseries.com: How have you developed as a fighter over your career?
Tony Lopez: Not too much. I changed mostly with my confidence level. I’ve learned patience which is good. You don’t always have to go out there and jump on somebody and just go all out. I’ve learned that through experience. You know if he does this I can do this. I see a lot more.
jacksonsmmaseries.com: How have changed how you do your strength and conditioning workouts?
Tony Lopez: It’s gone different ways. I’ve fought for different camps and each camp is different. Each camp has their own way of doing it. So, for me I realized the way I used to do it, way back in the beginning is what I need to do now. I’ve tried variations of strength training and what I did at the beginning is what works best for me.
jacksonsmmaseries.com: Do have any concerns about fighting in Albuquerque and it being a mile above sea level?
Tony Lopez: Nah, not at all. It may play a factor but what I’ve learned in my experience is that being calm and controlling your breathing and controlling the pace, ensures that your cardio will last a lot longer.
jacksonsmmaseries.com: What are your thoughts about your opponent Buddy Roberts?
Tony Lopez: Not too much. I don’t ever really look at who my opponent is other than to see what he looks like. I don’t look at what they do or their strengths.
jacksonsmmaseries.com: Will your experience be an advantage in this fight with Buddy?
Tony Lopez: I don’t know. When I started out fighting I was 5-2 and my experience at 5-2 was equal to someone who was 15-1. It depends on what his training is like. If he gets the right training he could come out and know more than someone who has more fights under their belt. I never look at the records. He could have lost one fight but the next fight he could be the world’s best fighter.
jacksonsmmaseries.com: Not looking beyond this fight but what are your goals in MMA now after King of the Cage?
Tony Lopez: The only goal I have right now is to stop anybody from going to the UFC. Right now I don’t see myself getting into the UFC for whatever reason. But if I can stop others from getting there, it will make me happy. I’m not allowed to go. For some reason I can’t get that door open for me so I’m going to try to close it for everyone else.
jacksonsmmaseries.com: What can fans expect to see from you in this main event?
Tony Lopez: That’s a good question. I am changing the type of fighter that I am. Pretty much I’m going be like a bully in there. I’m just going to work this guy over. I’m not looking for a knock out or submission but I’m just looking to hurt him. Hurt him, hurt him until he quits on himself or his corner throws in the towel or he just taps out because there’s too much pain being put on him.
jacksonsmmaseries.com: So, you bring a lot emotion or anger to the fight?
Tony Lopez: That’s a yes now. It’s all going to be directed at him now. When he steps into the cage, I’m going to show him what a real MMA fighter is.
jacksonsmmaseries.com: What does your family think of you fighting?
Tony Lopez: They love it. They all enjoy it. The only time they don’t enjoy it is when I loose. They are all behind me and support me 100%.
jacksonsmmaseries.com: Who’s helping you get ready for this fight?
Tony Lopez: There’s a lot. There are friends and old team mates. I can’t name them all and I don’t want to name just a couple and leave others out. Everybody who’s helped me out knows who they are.
jacksonsmmaseries.com: Do you have any final comments?
Tony Lopez: I’m looking forward to this fight and hurting somebody.
