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Rolando Perez

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training when I was 19. I wrestled throughout high school and wanted to continue training. I was always an MMA and boxing fan and wanted to compete. I started off training Muay Thai, and later started jiu-jitsu and boxing. I started training to compete pro about two years into training. There was an open spot in Total Combat (MMA organization). They asked me if I wanted to fight, and Brandon (Vera) told me I should because I had been training. So I took the fight and won.

What ranks and titles have you held? None yet

Do you have any heroes? My mother, Jesus Christ, Sugar Ray Leonard and a few other fighters.

What is your favorite technique? Right straight to the body

What does it mean for you to fight in the WEC? I feel very blessed and privileged to get the opportunity to fight in the WEC. It means all of my hard work has paid off

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I went to college for a while but didn’t finish.

What was your job before you started fighting? I have had many jobs before I started fighting. Right now, I work at Alliance Training Center in Chula Vista, CA

Most memorable professional fight? Either my fight with Aldo or probably my fight with Joshrick Fenwick - the outcome was a draw but I felt that I won the fight. So did many others who attended. The fight was about a year ago in San Diego

What was your most challenging professional fight? I would have to say my fight with Jose Aldo. He is the best opponent that I have fought and a top ten fighter in his weight class. Although it didn’t turn out the way I wanted it to I learned a lot from that fight.

Did you compete in any other sport(s) at college or professional level? No I didn’t; the junior college that I attended didn’t have a wrestling program. The only junior college that does in San Diego was too far for me to commute to daily.

Who were your training partners for this fight? I have been training with many great fighters. Dominick Cruz, Shannon Gugerty, Cub Swanson, Ed Ratcliff, Rani Yahya, Daniel Morales and Erin Beach. These are some of the guys I train with daily

Did you put more emphasis towards a fighting style or adjust your training to prepare for your opponent? Usually I train the same for all my fights, which means I train a lot of everything. This time I have been sparring with guys who have a long reach because Dikun is a very lanky fighter

What, other than WINNING, are you using for motivation for the fight? I want to win impressively in the WEC. I’m coming off a loss and want to show that I am capable of competing with and beating top level fighters

What is your favorite thing about this sport? There are many things I love about MMA. I guess it’s the fact that there are many ways to win a fight. This is a very challenging sport. To compete against the best you must be well rounded and in great shape.

How long do you see yourself staying in this sport? I love competing and training, so I see myself staying in this sport for a while