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Mr. Vaughn is the Head Instructor for FITNHB MMA Gym in Albuquerque New Mexico, he has trained such fighters as WEC champ Carlos Condit, WEC Fighter Cody “Ox” Wheeler, Donald Sanchez and Many Others. Mr. Vaughn is also a promoter for the FIGHTWORLD promotion in Albuquerque New Mexico.
On Coaching and Instructing……
1. How long have you been coaching and instructing? I have been an instructor since 1994, and a competition coach since 2001.
2. How have you seen MMA adapt or change over the years? I have seen MMA evolve from a time when single discipline practitioners could easily make a name for themselves, to current times where their days are numbered if they don’t become well rounded. The fighters have become much more athletic, knowledgeable, and the sport is being marketed properly now.
3. How do you find time under all the pressure of training and traveling with these great fighters? Something that tends to get overlooked is my partner and wife Arlene Sanchez – Vaughn who was a professional kickboxing champion and is the up fighting coach for all FIT NHB fighters . She is a huge asset and works magic with these guys. Our fighters can bang because of her which makes my job much easier. Then I just teach the blending of arts and our guys are a multiple threat. On top of that we have Jon Judy a terrific wrestling coach, Rob Monroe world class mitt/pad holder, and Mark Hassel our strength and conditioning coach. Time gets a bit tight but I am wired for intensity and I love what I do. On top of that I have this great crew to work with.
4. What do you say to those casual fans who may want to train at your gym but feel intimidated by all the pro fighters? First, our fight team trains separately from the regular classes. Secondly I would invite anyone to come meet these fighters and see how genuinely cool they are. I am so proud of the way our fighters conduct themselves. There is no pecking order at FIT NHB .
5. What is the biggest challenge of being a national known instructor? Being compared to bigger nationally known instructors. LOL
6. With the known fighters out of your camp , the Condit’s , Schulte , Sanchez ,
Wheeler , Cocas , Lovato and many others , is there any up and comers we should definitely
look out for ? Let me mention some other FIT pros that you didn’t mention above first
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7. FIT NHB news – HCF , ROF , and KOTC champion Thomas Schulte , Tyler East , and FIT NHB’s newest Team member / boxing champion Monica Lovato have all been signed for something very special coming in the spring of 2009 . Press release on that expected in mid November. Coty “OX” Wheeler slated for WEC return in spring 09 as well. Donald Sanchez will fight for a title early next year, soon to be announced. Featured story on FIT NHB in the February issue of a major publication.
8. Last but not least when do we get to see Carlos in the cage again? If he doesn’t quit MMA to become a professional paint ball champion you will see Carlos defend his belt in early 2009. The opponent discussed is a very motivating fight for Carlos but we cannot disclose details until it is a done deal . Once WEC does their press release we are free to talk about it. One thing I can assure you is Carlos will deliver an all out performance as he always does. It’s kill or be killed with him.
As a Promoter……
1. How long have you been involved with promotions? Our first Fight World MMA event was on April 25 , 2004
2. What are your long term goals with your events? To continue to deliver skilled mixed martial arts events to New Mexico fans featuring fighters that you can’t see every two weeks on lesser shows
3. What are your thoughts on MMA here in New Mexico? Loads of talent but only a few places developing it properly. Too many half assed promotions and a lot of shady crap going on behind the scenes
4. Now that MMA is big time in New Mexico , what are your thoughts on other promotions coming to town ? Do you think it’s good for New Mexico MMA ? New Mexico doesn’t need anymore promotions that do what is already being done here, we need some promotions that bring something extraordinary to the table. More of the “same ole same ole” is going to hurt MMA in New Mexico.
5. What are you looking for as a promoter in a fighter? Why would you have them fight on your show? I look for fighters that train to be skilled mixed martial artists, conduct themselves as professionals, and are serious about developing with a quality promotion. If a fighter fits that description and takes responsibility for helping us make people want to see him/her then I would have them on my show.
6. What separates your promotion from all others ? FightWorld MMA is the longest running MMA organization based in New Mexico , and we’ve had more fighters go on to do big things . Jim Burlson’s “Desert Xtreme” started shortly after us and has also had some true talent move up the ladder. To give credit where credit is due Terry Trebilcock , Chris Cordeiro and KOTC really put MMA on the map here in New Mexico , but they weren’t a New Mexico based promotion . I am pleased to say KOTC is finally back in New Mexico and Terry Trebilcock and I are working together on those shows. Terry Trebilcock is the man and I am very pleased to working with him. We have a great show coming up Dec 6, 2008 at Isleta Casino.
7. What can NewMexicoFIGHT.com or any other media outlet do to help? What are you looking for out of media or NewMexicoFIGHT.com? First let me say that meeting the Prairie brothers was a breath of fresh air. You guys really impressed me with your genuine love for the sport and no nonsense approach. What I hope for out of the NewMexicoFIGHT.com and the MMA media is current upbeat coverage of the New Mexico MMA scene based on knowledge and facts. Let’s keep the sport growing and the public educated.
THANK YOU MR. VAUGHN FOR YOUR TIME AND YOUR CONTINUED IMPACT ON NEW MEXICO MMA
NewMexicoFIGHT.com Staff
