Cole Escovedo talks TUF 14, Tachi Palace and his future
From being the first ever WEC Featherweight Champion to coming back after a horrible staph infection that left him out of the sport for about three years, Cole Escovedo has done more than most people in his MMA career. The Fresno, California native will return to Tachi Palace Fights on May 6th when he takes on 7-1 Tommy Vargas. Apache Kid took the time out of his busy schedule to give an interview with MMAValor about his upcoming fight, his TUF Season 14 hopes and how his last fight went.
MMAValor: For you last fight, you took on Steve Siler, winning via Triangle Choke for the 9th time in your career. Did the fight play out like you thought it would and were you surprised by anything coming from Siler?
Cole Escovedo: The fight went pretty much how I expected, not necessarily planned. I expected him to wanna strike I just didn’t get my rhythm going on my feet. I was confident I’d find a submission if we went down, I always am. I did take a lot of punches on the ground but most landed on my elbows or forearms. He definitely hits hard ;-) I feel he got complacent with his position and got stuck in a street brawl mind-set not an MMA one and allowed me to find an opening.
MmaValor: Is the triangle choke something you like going for and are just comfortable with, or is it just one of those submissions you just happen to have an opening for when it comes about?
Cole Escovedo: I love catching people with it, it’s my signature move ;-) but I look for an opening or make one open, but not just for the triangle but any sub or sweep the triangle just happens to be the sub I’ve built into an art I guess.
MMAValor: You’ve made numerous mentions on your twitter and on your Facebook about your attempting to get on the Ultimate Fighter season 14, have you heard anything back from them yet?
Cole Escovedo: Sadly, no I haven’t heard from them. I’ve switched my focus onto my May fight with Tommy so if they call, SWEET, if not it’s not the end of the world. I am already trying to earn a spot on Tachi’s August card and I know some other shows with fights comin’ in august as well but I’d like to stay locally for an august show but I’m always gonna go where the money is so hopefully, a W against Tommy secures me a spot in august.
MMAVAlor: You’ll be fighting for the Tachi Palace Fights again against up-and-comer Tommy Vargas on May 5th, what can you tell us about your opponent going into the fight?
Cole Escovedo: He’s a wrestler from Bakersfield and is training with Millenia now I’m told, he’s 7-1 and that’s pretty much it I haven’t heard of him before this fight, which isn’t a bad thing, I just haven’t.
MMAVAlor: Without, obviously, going into too much detail, is there anything you’re looking to exploit against Vargas?
Cole Escovedo: Reach, I feel I’ll have a reach advantage going Into the fight.
Tachi Palace Fights 9 will take place from the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino in Lemoore, California on May 6th and will feature 13 bouts on the card.
Cole Escovedo would also like to thank everyone who continues to support me, my team here in Fresno VICTORY MMA, my girl The Giraffe, and my management team INGRAINED MEDIA, as well as his sponsors:
Cageradio.com,Vanquish clothing, Sierra sport & racquet club, TITLE MMA, Athletic Body Care, Modesto Power, Central Valley Pain Mgmnt. Center, Rubber Soul Bikes
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Category: Exclusive, Featured, Interview, MMA, Tachi Palace Fights
About the Author (Author Profile)
I was born in New York, but currently reside in PA. Have been following the sport since about 2000, ever since I picked up a few VHS' of the old UFC tournaments. I served on active duty in the Marines and currently serve in the PA Army National Guard. I've been doing sub-wrestling and BJJ for about 2 years and have studied Aikido for 3 years. I enjoy all forms of combat sports, but huge into BJJ tournaments and of course, MMA.Subscribe
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