By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report
Every amateur mixed martial artist anticipates the day when they will turn pro. The idea of finally being paid, as an athlete, is the type of career highlight that each fighter shares. However the path that leads to this decision is often quite individualized. Sometimes in life need arises that forces the decision, other times false confidence plays a role.
However, once you turn pro it counts. Amateur records can be excused but professional losses are difficult to over come. They can be especially debilitating early on in a young fighters career. This is why it is crucial for a young fighter to have a coach, or set of coaches that he can trust with essentially his livelihood.
Lucky for Jaime Sierra (0-0 MMA 5-0 Amateur Record), he has coaches that not only care about him, but they have garnered his total trust. “Cub Swanson is the man, he is my head coach, and I do whatever he says.” Sierra said. “He has been in this game a long time, and I want to be like him as a fighter, aggressive and always in your face!”
Many fighters have and are currently in the same exact position as Sierra, but according to his coach, he posses an intangible that very few fighters have. “He has that toughness, that you don’t always see in a fighter.” Cub Swanson said. “Jaime takes shots, but keeps moving forward.” This according to Swanson is something that can’t be taught. “He has good instincts.”
Recently Swanson said he has been working with Sierra on preparing for going the distance. “We have to train for a 3 round fight, so I want him to be patient.” Swanson said. “But I like my guys to finish, so I’d like to see a TKO!” The coach said with a chuckle.
Sierra will need to rely on those instincts when he takes to the cage on July 20th. “UPC is a big show, they have like two thousand people at their shows” Sierra said. The event will be held at the Agua Caliente Casino Resort and Spa, which is a larger than most of the regional venues. “But I think I will be able to block it out.” Sierra said.
Sierra will be fighting on the same card as teammate Steve Swanson so the hometown crowd will definitely support his efforts, However once that cage door closes, it will be all up to him!
UPC 16 will be held JULY 20, at The Agua Caliente Resort in Palm Dessert. For more information on the event go to: http://www.upcunlimited.com/
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