Story By: King Eddie- MMA Hawaii Staff Writer
As Yancy Medeiros started his preparation for his debut on the mainland, he knew that he would be facing the most dangerous opponent to date. His career in Hawaii has not been an easy journey and his Strikeforce debut would not be any different. Medeiros took on a grueling training regimen that he hoped would prepare him for anything.
” When I went to AKA really helped me to find myself. I found where I was lacking and it made me train harder to improve it. I knew that I was easy to take down and I didn’t have much a ground game, but I put time into that aspect and came into this fight ready.”
On the day of the weigh ins, it seemed that Castillo was more than game but when the bell rang and the fight began he appeared nothing more than confused and frustrated. Medeiros threw a nice mixture of punches and once and a while he would throw a kick that rocked Castillo. As the fight progressed it was abundantly clear that Castillo had absolutely no answer for the stand up game of Medeiros. In a bout that most thought would be on the ground in seconds, Yancy shocked the world with his impenetrable takedown defense.
” I really thought that he would be stronger than that. After he tried to take me down the first time, I realized that my training partners were stronger than he was. At that point I knew that I could stick to my game plan and control the fight.”
At the end of the first round it seemed as if Yancy was going to finish Castillo in the final seconds, but Castillo was saved by the bell. Medeiros was really disappointed that he couldn’t finish with that opportunity.
” At the end of the first round I felt like I could have finished him but I didn’t want to over do it and get caught with a takedown or a submission. That was the hardest part of the fight. I just didn’t want to get taken down.”
Through the entire fight it was clear that Yancy was in control with his defense as well as his superb striking. He seemed so calm and relaxed which was the opposite of his opponent who was so tense and apprehensive throughout. While Yancy mixed up his offense, Castillo seemed to go for his ” go to” takedown.
” I was a little nervous when I came out but once I was in the cage it all came together. I lost my nerves and just did what I came here to do. I was really proud to be able to come out here and represent Hawaii. That is something I have always wanted to do. I love that I get to come out to the mainland and represent where I am from and what is most important to me. For right now I am just going to come back home and hit the gym and wait for the call. I was approached by Caesar Gracie and asked to train with his team so that was really special to me. But for now I am just going to come home and wait for the call. As soon as that happens I will be there!”
For those who missed the fight, there is no doubt that we will be seeing Yancy back on the big stage. Yancy Medeiros agan all odds, walked away from his debut with a Unanimous Decisio victory. His domination of a fight that should have been his most challenging proves that he is not only among the elite here in Hawaii, but in the world as a whole. Congratulations to another local fighter who embodies the warrior spirit of Hawaii.