"I could just tell you it's going to be a war. It's going to be two guys that are going to go out there and look to win and win big. That's just it. I'm there to fight. I'm there to do a job and when you pay me to do a job, I'm going to do the best that I possibly can. Win, lose or draw, you will know that I was there to win," stated Affliction VP Tom Atencio as he talked more about his upcoming clash with Randy Hedderick on the June 27th Ultimate Chaos card. Check out what he had to say about the fight, Affliction's third event, his thoughts on Dana White and much more.
PC: How is everything going bro?
TA: It's good, it's good. I'm just training and I'm a little sore, but I'm getting up there in age so that's to be expected.
PC: I wanted to ask how you are feeling physically because you told me you train all of the time, but this is your first time training for an actual fight in a long time. Has this been a grueling camp?
TA: It's only been grueling because I took three weeks to travel and part of that time, I was in Korea (laughing) and they fed me and fed me and fed me. The only thing I did in Korea was eat, drink and do nothing. I put on some weight. I came back at 185. I'm down to 170 right now with a month to go, so I'm confident the weight won't be an issue. My body went through hell, but I'm feeling good. I'm sparring with a lot of people; big people. But just a couple of bruises and aches and pains, but that's to be expected.
PC: What has been the biggest adjustment for you in preparing for an opponent again?
TA: There really isn't too much. I've been training for years now. I train with Javier Cordero everyday at 2:00. He trains with me, spars with me and beats the crap out of me. There's not too much of an adjustment. I think mainly more on the Jiu Jitsu side of things. Like I said, it just pains the body. You start going hard in sparring with kids and going full contact, you definitely feel it. When it comes to takedowns and stuff with people grabbing you, throwing you and just dropping you, it takes a toll on you, but that's just the basics.
PC: Before we go into your fight anymore, you guys just announced that Affliction's third show is coming to fruition. Could you tell us about it a little more?
TA: I'm in the process of finalizing everything. I should have all of the contracts and everything done next week; hopefully by Friday and if not, the following Monday. It's being finalized and I will definitely announce it when I have all of my ducks in a row.
PC: How tough is that for you to train for your fight in June and secure Affliction's third card?
TA: You know, it's difficult, but I'm up for the task. It is what it is. I have the choice of doing it or not doing it so if I'm going to do it I'm not going to do it half ass; I'm going to do it right. It takes hard work and dedication and that's life.
PC: I know you and Brian Young are cool, but how did it come to where you're fighting on this Ultimate Chaos show?
TA: He called me and asked me for some help on this show and if I had some fighters that would be interested in fighting so I loaned him some of my fighters and I asked him what he thought about me fighting on the card and he was all for it. He loved the idea. I talked to my trainers and they thought it was a great idea too and it just kind of all came together. I never wanted to fight on my own show. I didn't think it would look good, so here was an opportunity to fight on another event and, even better, a promoter I know.
PC: No doubt. I spoke to Randy after the press conference and he expects for you to bring it and for this fight to be a war. What type of fight are you expecting from him?
TA: He's a tough kid. I've seen his fights and I'm expecting nothing less from him. I think that's it. He has everything to gain and nothing to lose and quite honestly, me too. It's a fight. I'm doing it for myself and win, lose or draw, it is what it is. I stepped in there for the second time professionally and I could say I've done something that most people will never experience in their life.
PC: I'm sure you've read Dana White's response to your comments. What's your response to his response?
TA: If he says I'm a loser, then I must be a loser!
PC: The thing that's funny to me that I think validates your comments is if I was watching that E:60 and I had never watched MMA before, I would have sworn they were interviewing a fighter. Maybe that's not Dana's fault, but that's how it appears.
TA: Right! And that's just it. If you're going to act and look so tough and bully people around, then when somebody calls you out, then step up. Be what you act and don't be a façade. And that's my point. Do I think I'm tough? No, not at all. Do I act tough? I hope not. Do I get in the ring? Even if I win, that doesn't make me tough, but it shows that at least I can step in there and I can back up what I say. It's just time for someone to step up to the bully and say, "That's enough; I'm done!"
PC: Win, lose or draw, would you like to fight again maybe later this year or is that decision solely based on your performance on June 27th?
TA: You know, I would like to think that maybe I will fight again, but the harsh reality is I'm helping run a business, I'm 42 and I'm not getting any younger. It depends on how I do at this show. Maybe if I do well, I will do it again after our next event, but you know, realistically, probably not.
PC: For fans that didn't watch your first fight, what can they expect from Tom Atencio? What style do you bring?
TA: Honestly, I could just tell you it's going to be a war. It's going to be two guys that are going to go out there and look to win and win big. That's just it. I'm there to fight. I'm there to do a job and when you pay me to do a job, I'm going to do the best that I possibly can. Win, lose or draw, you will know that I was there to win.
PC: I think this is a great card for a first time promotion. What do you think of the card and the way it will play out?
TA: I think it's a great card. I think Gilbert Yvel and Pedro Rizzo is going to be a war. It's going to be a great fight. With Bobby Lashley and Bob Sapp, to be honest, I really don't know what to expect in that one, but I can tell you one thing, when two big, giant guys like that throwdown, I think someone is going to get knocked out. The fans love when two big guys go in and beat the hell out of each other.
PC: It takes a lot of guts to do what you're doing man. I respect the hell out of you for that. Good luck next month my man. Is there anything you want to say in closing?
TA: I really appreciate it. To the fans, I really appreciate the support and to the people who doubt me, keep doubting me because that just puts fuel on the fire. I appreciate what they do too. I thank you for the press, for having me and interviewing me and without you guys, I wouldn't be anywhere.
[ Follow Percy Crawford on Twitter @MrLouis1ana ]