Unbeaten fighter says mixed martial arts no joke

Brazilian-style jiu-jitsu blue belter Fritz Rodriguez yesterday cautioned casual fighters to stay away from mixed martial arts unless they’re determined to take it seriously.

"Fighting in a mixed martial arts match is no joking matter," he said. "You’ve got to put 100 percent into it. When you’re training for a match, you drop everything else. A fighter who’s not mentally and physically prepared will crack under the pressure."

Rodriguez, 26, is unbeaten in local mixed martial arts bouts. In the second Universal Realty Combat Championships (URCC) at the PhilSports Arena last April, he beat Dit Torres of the International Taekwondo Federation on a submission after establishing a full mount in about two minutes. The 6-1, 175-pound Rodriguez then trounced Richie Lazaro of Pasukuan Labanan–also via submission–at the 9:50 mark in the second URCC at the Tent a few weeks ago.

"There was many ways for you to win in mixed martial arts unlike in a sport like boxing," explained Rodriguez who is four terms short of earning an Export Management degree at the College of St. Benilde. "In boxing, you watch your heads and ribs. In mixed martial arts, you watch for leg kicks, body shots, takedowns, knees, punches and submission holds. You make one slight mistake, that’s it. Mixed martial arts is a tough discipline."

Rodriguez said getting seriously hurt is the last thing on his mind when fighting. "Of course, I get nervous," he admitted. "But with all the rules and precautionary measures, it’s not likely you’ll get badly injured. There’s never been a reported death in mixed martial arts although I’ve seen fighters carried out on a stretcher after a knockout. If you don’t tap out quick enough, you might end up with a dislocated elbow or joint so you’ve got to know when to concede."

Training for a fight is a full-time concentration for Rodriguez. When not preparing for a match, he trains three days a week, logging at least six hours in total, doing tactical drills, cardiovascular exercises and lifting weights. When preparing for a match, he trains six days a week, 36 hours in total. To keep trim, he avoids oily and fatty goods and consumes a lot of carbs and protein.

Rodriguez was introduced to mixed martial arts in 1995 when an uncle took him to watch an Ultimate Fighting contest between Ken Shamrock and Royce Gracie in New York. The match wound up a draw after 30 minutes and left Rodriguez mesmerized.

"That was when I realized that a fighter could hold his own in mixed martial arts even if an opponent is thrice his size," said Rodriguez. "It’s all about technique."

Then, in late 1996, Rodriguez was inspired by Alvin Aguilar to take up the sport. "Both Alvin and I were in school," he recalled. "Alvin got me interested in Gracie jiu-jitsu." Aguilar is the president of the Philippine Mixed Martial Arts Association and URCC’s prime mover.

After engaging in some six fights in various gyms, Rodriguez flew to Brazil with US-based instructor Kazaka Muniz to immerse himself in mixed martial arts for three months in 2000. He polished his act training with over 30 black belt grapplers in the gym. Last year, he was back in Brazil for another three months to hone his skills further.

Rodriguez said he hopes to make mixed martial arts a career. "Right now, in the Philippines, the sport is gaining ground," he noted. "It’s a growing sport and world-wide, it’s getting more fan interest than boxing. The prize money isn’t too big in local fights. Still, there are ways to earn from it like now, I teach about 80 students at the Deftac (Defense Tactics Center) gym and we’re coming out with merchandise like T-shirts, patches, fighting shorts and Brazilian jiu-jitsu uniforms. In three years or so, maybe I’ll try the European circuit and fight overseas."

Rodriguez said his dream is to someday become a black belter. "There’s no Filipino black belter in Brazilian jiu-jitsu," he continued. "I’m a blue belter. A notch higher is Alvin who’s a purple belter. Then you go up to a brown and finally, black belter. It takes about 10 to 15 years to become a black belter."

When not in the gym, Rodriguez likes to explore caves–he called it spelunking–and as a herpeculturist, takes care of exotic reptile pets, including an Albino Burmese python, two green iguanas, an African monitor lizard and a caiman from the Amazons. He is an avid fan of European league soccer and indulges in water sports like jetskiing and wakeboarding. Rodriguez plays flag football, too.

"Mixed martial arts is a different experience from the other fighting sports like boxing and wrestling," said Rodriguez. "It’s not for everyone. It’s strictly for the serious fighter."