Yaotzin

For the past several years the lighter weight classes in boxing have consistently provided quality action packed fights for combat sport enthusiasts. In MMA there was a time not too long ago when the UFC didn’t even have a 155 pound division. With the emergence of the WEC, MMA fight promoters across the country are finally getting the hint that the featherweight and bantamweight MMA athletes can carry a whole fight card.

This weekend Arizona fans looking for a MMA road trip need to head east on the US 60 to San Carlos, AZ (located 5 miles east of Globe, AZ) where they can catch local 145 lb feather weight prospect Yaotzin Meza in the main event of Extreme Beatdown at the Apache Gold Casino. Current UFC Heavyweight champion and former WWE Superstar Brock Lesnar will also be on hand to sign autographs.

I caught up with Yaotzin in the final days of his training camp as he prepares to take on former University of Arizona wrestler Jamie Schmidt on Saturday.

Ultmma: How’s your training been going for this fight?

Yaotzin Meza: Camp went great, we finished up heavy training yesterday. Now tonight we are going to start cutting weight.

Ultmma: Is the cut down to 145 lbs. hard for you?

Meza: No, I diet a good month before my fight and I come down from around 155. This is my 4^th time fighting at 145 so it’s getting easier.

Ultmma: Who are tour training partners at Southwest MMA?

Meza: Drew Fickett is my MMA coach. Santino DeFranco and my brother Victor Meza are also my training partners. My brother also has a fight this weekend in Connecticut for Bellator Fighting Championships. We got a good team in there.

Ultmma: What do you know about your opponent Jamie Schmidt?

Meza: I don’t know too much. I know that he is a wrestler. From some of his other interviews he has done he says that he can beat me on my feet. In every fight I’ve been in I look at my opponent as being a good fighter. I don’t underestimate any fighter. He’s a tough fighter, he’s good on his feet and he has his wrestling and his jiu-jitsu.

Ultmma: Are you happy that the smaller MMA weight classes are finally getting recognition and you don’t have to deal with the big 155 pounders who are making that cut.

Meza: The thing was that even when I fought at 155 lbs. I was a small 155. I’m happy the lighter weights are getting recognition because they provide high pace fights.

Ultmma: How far do you think you are from making it to the WEC if you win this fight on Saturday?

Meza: I don’t think I’m far away. After this fight I think my manager will talk to them. Everyone I train with is so tough and they tell me I’m ready.

Ultmma: The biggest fight in your division’s history was just announced, who’s your pick for the Uriah Faber vs. Mike Brown bout coming up?

Meza: Brown is the real deal right now. He’s a veteran and he’s good all around.He’s real strong I have to go with him right now.

Yaotzin Meza would like to thank his sponsor MTX Audio

Tickets, priced at $20.00 (bleachers), $30.00 (floor) and $50.00 (ringside), are available at the Apache Gold Gift Ship (1.800.272.2438 X3277) or at www.TicketWeb.com (21 years of age or older requirement to attend). Go to www.ApacheGoldCasinoResort.com or www.snbcmma.com for additional information. Doors open at 6 PM/MST, first bout at 7 PM.MST.