One-on-One exclusive: Leo Perez

So, it's no surprise that UFC and MMA's have gotten a lot of attention and respect in the last few years. MMA's stand for Mixed Martial Arts. It got this name because it is a combination of different forms of martial arts that people combine and master to make this new sport. One of the more popular martial arts form that these MMA fighters adopt is a stand up form called Muay Thai. What is Muay Thai? Well you're all in for a treat! I have a special one on one interview with Leo Perez, Amateur Muay Thai fighter. We talk about the sport, his training, and even talk about the legalization of MMA's in Ontario. Enjoy!

Hey Leo, thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to do this one on one. The readers and I really appreciate it. Lets get right into it

Q: So leo, for those that don’t know, what exactly is Muay Thai?

It’s the natural sport of Thailand. Called the sport of 8 limbs cuz you're using your legs knees elbows punches. Ya it’s a form of kickboxing, but not exactly kickboxing. Kickboxing and mt are similar but at the same time different. Kickboxing is a lot of jumping around, dab dab “oh I cant hurt you” where as muay thai is a lethal sport. Every weapon counts and is aiming for a knockout.

Q: What is it that attracted you to the sport?

Umm like many other people it was the movie “Ong Bak”. After I saw that I wanted to learn about the culture and the sport.

Q: and how long have you been doing it now?

About 2 years

Q: when you first started training, did you know you would take it to the level you are currently at?

When I first started I always envisioned myself wanting to fight so, yes, you can say I did see myself fighting.

Q: How many hours a week would you say you put into training and what does it generally consist of?

I put about 18-20 hours of training a week, when training for fights. That’s about 3 hours a day, 6 days a week. It starts with a run, no less than 5-8k, skipping then about 30 min workout consisting of pushups, situps squats,etc. aimed at warming up the body. Afterwards I hit the bags for 6-8 rounds which is 3 minutes each round so you do the math *laughs*. Then after it depends on the day but we either follow up with bag drills or pad work for another 5 or 6 rounds. After that I usually do a speed set drill and then finish off with 200 sit ups. And that my friend is what a workout consists of.

Q: would you consider this a “full time job” or more of a recreational activity?

Its not a full time job, yet. But at the same time I find it as a mix of both recreational and a full time job because it takes a lot of dedication to stay persistent in training.

Q: wow, sounds intense! Now, over the summer you participated in the TBAS Muay Thai classic and eventually won your bracket. Talk to us about that experience

Well, it was an experience in its own. You know something that I never thought I would’ve done. It was a tough weekend because making it to the finals meant I had 3 fights in 2 days. And ya I just had to keep my eye on the prize and make all the hard training pay off. Also, it was really cool traveling out of the country and participating in an event somewhere else. I got to know a lot of people and it was a fun weekend.

Q: now you’re fresh off a no shins fight in Calgary where you won via unanimous decision improving your amateur record to 4-0. Any idea where or when your next bout may be?

No, just gotta wait and see

Q: recently the UFC and MMA’s have been legalized in Ontario. What are your thoughts on this whole move and the fact that it took this long for it to happen?

Surprised that it took this long. I guess UFC being one of the biggest name brands out there will generate pofits that our province needs and it should help the MMA game in Ontario seeing as fighters won't have to travel all the time and they can fight in province

Q: Would you ever consider dipping into the MMA scene?

Uuuummmm no. I don’t have any plans to do MMA. I would like to learn BJJ but that’s it. I wouldn’t dabble in MMA

Q: Now, you’re a York University graduate with a degree in Environmental studies/minor in geography. Do you see yourself finding a profession in your major or given the opportunity would you rather fight and train professionally?

Given the opportunity I'd rather fight and train professionally. If you have the opportunity to do something you love and get paid for it, how do you lose? I still plan on doing post grad and trying to find a career at the same time but we’ll see how life unfolds

Q: speaking of professionals, as most people know a lot of the professional fighters have nicknames. Do you have a nickname and if so, how did you get to be known as this?

At the gym im know as “Bodman” because at the TBAS tournament, my swag was so stupid I scared a bitch straight donkey. Gucci Maine, BURRRR. And pretty much it’s just because I had apparently a really good swag game *laughs*

Q: sounds intimidating! Speaking of which, obviously in the ring you want to dominate your opponent and be tough. How does this persona relate to the Leo outside of the ring?

The leo outside of the ring is a sweet one of a kind type of guy. Yes, im a lover not a fighter. I only fight in the ring.

Q: quite the opposite eh? You seem to live a very busy life, constantly working and training. How do you find time to have a social life with friends and family?

Its hard -that’s what she said *laughs*. And uhh balancing everything is very difficult. You just gotta make some sacrifices. You cant be a winner at everything.

Q: you seem to have a great work ethic, not too common nowadays. Well Leo, its been great talking to you and learning more about you and the sport. Do you have any words of advice to those who are starting out in Muay Thai or those that are interested in the sport, whether it is to get fit or to one day enter the ring?

You have to find the dedication to stick with it. Yes its gonna be very tough in the beginning but if you push yourself out of the box and pass your limits, you will see results. Big shout outs to Kru Jen, and the whole team at YMT gym. Check us out at www.yorkmuaythai.com and come out! See y’all soon!

Amazing! You’re a real inspiration. Well thanks again for taking the time out of your busy schedule. As a fan and president of your fan club, I can personally tell you we are all looking forward to the next time you enter the ring. Keep training hard and remember, we’re all proud of you! I love you.

Well there you have it. The work Leo puts into his training is definitely unmatched by anyone I have ever met. He is definitely a man of many faces. We all wish him luck in all his future fights and professional career. As long as he keeps working hard, he can accomplish anything he wants! Hope you all enjoyed the interview and stay tuned!