Interview with amateur fighter, Willie Belmonte.

For part 26 of our ongoing interview series with amateur MMA fighters, coaches and trainers we spoke with Willie Belmonte. Willie is 24 years old and fights out of Charles Town, WV.

Q: What is your current record? Any fights coming up soon?

I am currently 1-3. It's been tough sledding at 155 lbs in an area swamped with talent. My win was actually at 170. I'm looking to skip a June card and make the drop to 145 for a fight in August.

Q: Nice! Dropping that much weight is a lot of work. It's gonna' be tough, but we're sure you can do it. Have there been any challenges in your life that you’ve had to overcome in
order to get where you are today?

I lost my father at age 17 in the middle of my senior year in high school and moved out at 18. It toughened me up a bit. He is my hero and inspires me to push through the tough times.

Q: Is there a current MMA star you like to pattern yourself after?

I love BJ Penn and Wanderlei Silva. I aspire to be like those guys. They're not only great fighters, they're also great ambassadors for the sport. Nobody reaches out to their fans or cares for them more than Wandy and nobody brings that "Just Scrap" mentality like BJ!

Q: Where do you train? Care to make a shout out to any of your instructors or
training partners?

I'm doing some independent training at the moment. I'm currently working two jobs and saving money up for a trip to Vegas to train at Wand Fight Team by years end. Looking to spend a month out there, hopefully longer if I can afford it. Shout outs to Chantz, Teddy Tapout, Clary, Stone Cole Presley, Big Dale for giving me a start, great instruction, and a few bumps and
bruises along the way. You guys are the best!

As for a start, I kinda fell into it. I remember watching UFC 1 with my stepdad at age six. I was expecting another boxing PPV; when it was more than that, wow, I was blown away. Then I was asked after I hung up my helmet and shoulder pads (after some years of semi-pro football) how I thought I'd fare fighting. I took my buddy up on it and here I am almost 2 years later.

Q: You played semi-pro ball? Wow. That had to toughen you up a bit. Has your fighting style evolved since you began training or have you stuck with a specific style throughout?

At the beginning, I had no concept of the stand up game. I was a sloppy brawler at best. But I could grapple a bit. Now, I'm a little better and a little more confident standing and trading. I don't mind taking one to give one now as opposed to before.

Q: Is there any particular training you spend more time on? Cardio? Strength training?

I actually got the Elevation Training Mask as a gift (from my ever supportive girlfriend). So now I work my cardio a lot harder than I had before. Plus, it's fun hitting the treadmill and having everyone in the gym stare at you like 'what is this guy doing?' ha! I also, started lifting again, working on my muscle endurance, and strength.

Q: Is there anyone you would like to thank for helping you get to where you are?

I'd like to thank my girlfriend Ashley for always being there and being supportive. I've gotta thank the guys again; for everything from unconciousness, to black eyes, and bruised thighs. You guys are the best. Also Terry Linton for always giving me the chance to scrap in the best promotion in VA, Onslaught Fights!

Q: What advice would you give to other people looking to get into MMA, or any competitive sport, for that matter?

My advice for anyone thinking of giving MMA a shot....go for it! What do you have to lose? It's a blast getting in there with hundreds of people screaming at the top of their lungs on the outside. But take it seriously, never underestimate anyone, and bring respect with you to the gym/dojo/cage. Be a sponge, absorb everything!