Patrick Kassing, the #3 ranked fighter in his weight division on Midwest Fighters Focus and current Extreme Challenge Champion, takes on #1 ranked Anthony "Sharbait" Guitierrez in Quincy, Illinois. Here are some of Patrick's thoughts on the fight...
With a 9-1 record and not having lost a fight in over a year, Patrick Kassing, out of Sterling, Illinois and fighting out of the Central Illinois Combat Club, says he got his start in fighting back in High School, wrestling throughout, and having his first fight in the cage his junior year of High School.
"I like to say I'm a freestyle fighter, but Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Boxing are my top favorites. My Coaches and team members help me out so much in both areas, along with everything else, and their assistance and motivation is unwavering. I do alot of work with Bob Long. He is a great coach and break things down and makes it easier to understand how to execute on what he is teaching. A couple of my buddies, Nolan Koch and Lance Grady have also been there a lot for me, especially for this fight. They have all been there for me to help keep me focused and motivated when I start to struggle, and their help has been invaluable."
Asked about fighting in particular, and Kassing states "I love the adrenaline rush. I'm very competitive and have been since I was little.
I have that never quit attitude and a lot of heart which drives me to want to be successful."
Moving toward his pending matchup against Guitierrez, Kassing told me "I need to successfully defend my belt and be the #1 ranked fighter in the Midwest. First things first. Later and in the future, I will be looking to sign a pro contract hopefully in the WEC."
"And you know, there's a lot of hype about this fight. Personally, I think it is going to be one of Extreme Challenge's biggest Main Events just due to the fact that so much is at stake with the #1 ranking and the belt on the line. Hats off to them for pulling off this matchup because as fighters, we all want to have things to reach for. And, retaining a championship belt and getting the #1 ranking on Midwest Fighters Focus is a lot to reach for." Kassing went on to say "From the sounds of it, people are really underestimating me against Sharkbait in this fight. It has been over a year since I lost in a cage. I am a completely different fighter than I was at the time of that loss. I mean, I can't go in and say I'm going to win like this or win like that, but I feel it will be a hard fought 3 round fight. I certainly wouldn't be surprised if the fight is shorter than that though".
Kassing says "I don't know the guy personally, but Midwest Fighters Focus has him as an unbeatable fighter or something, and he's not an unbeatable fighter. I will give the guy props because he is good there's no doubt about that. He has a great ground game and looks to be a smart fighter. Judging by some of the fights I've watched though, I don't think his calibre has been tested".
"I see he's fought a few guys on the MFF Rankings, but so have I. I've beaten both Frankie Osborne and Josh Smith who are currently ranked, so I really hope Sharkbait doesn't plan on walking in and having an easy fight because that is NOT going to happen".
"I look forward to this. What a great test for us both, and it should settle who is number one pretty easily in my book. I hope Extreme Challenge keeps up with pitting the top ranked Midwest Fighters against each other because this is HUGE for us as fighters. And, with the support I'm sure we will both have from our family and friends, it will be an overall great feeling. Their support helps me keep a positive outlook on fighting. I'm ready to go".
See Patrick compete with Anthony "Sharkbait" Guitierrez at Extreme Challenge, June 19th, Quincy, Illinois with the #1 ranking and Championship belt on the line!
and remember... ... You Can't Win, Until You STEP IN. ~ TRAIN ~ FIGHT ~ OWN ~
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment