By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report
A fighters bravado can ultimately be attributed to necessity. Mohammed Ali mastered the art of winning the fight months before the event, not in the ring but with his mouth. In mixed martial arts young fighters often need to voice that confidence, because otherwise they recognize the chance that they may loose. For some fighters, that possibility is crippling. For others, its part of the game.
For Manny ‘Seargant’ Murillo (5-1 MMA) its just part of the journey. Murillo found his way to the sport, like many others first as a fan. Then one day he decided to give it a try.”I started going to some of the smaller gyms in the area, and did really well on the first day against some of there best guys.” Murillo said.
The sport appeared at first to come easy to Murillo, until that is he found his way to the doors of Team Quest. It was an eye opening first day “Once I got there, I couldn’t move anybody.” Murillo said. “They were on a whole different level!”
With Dan Henderson as a coach and sparring partner the results are staggering. “Its really different with Dan.” Murillo said. “Standing toe to toe with him, is like having a lion charging at you.” Working with the former two division champion has improved Murillo’s game steadily. “Dan shows you something new each time you work with him, weather its a position, a technique, or correcting your posture, he has so much knowledge.” Murillo said.
Murillo is going to certainly need to channel his in inner ‘Hendo’ when he takes on Chris Honeycutt for the vacant UPC Middleweight title at “Up and Comers 16” July 20th at The Agua Caliente Casino and Spa. Honeycutt is a former NCAA finalist as a wrestler, and is widely regarded as one of the sports biggest prospects. Murillo though, seems prepared.
“I am sure his wrestling is going to come into play.” Murillo said. “We have been working specifically on that.” However, its not only Honeycutt’s wrestling that concerns Murillo. “Even though I’m sure he is gonna try to take me down, I think it is going to be more of a back and forth fight.” Murillo said.
Although Honeycutt has the clear edge in the wrestling department, Murillo is the more experienced striker. Murillo also maintains a huge experience advantage as far as cage time. Murillo will undoubtedly be relying on this to carry him through any tough situations, should Honeycutt obtain a positional advantage. “No one wants to say they are going to loose and neither do I, but in reality it comes down to who lands the better blows, and who can hold the better positions.” Murillo said.
Although this may be the biggest fight of Manny Murillo’s career, it by no means defines him. For Murillo it is just another stop on the journey. Faith is what defines Manny Murillo, not wins or loses. “I’m just thankful to be here.” Murillo said.
THE CLINCH REPORT 