Fighter Focus: Getting to Know Heny “The Hitman” Meza

Fighter Focus: Getting to Know Heny “The Hitman” Meza
 
In a couple weeks, Henry Meza will make his MCC debut against Eric Kapayou at MCC 27: “Mutapcic vs. Cummings”.  We caught up with Meza amidst his training camp to get to know The Hitman and what he’s bringing to the cage.
 
 
MCC:  Henry, welcome to MCC.  Since you are making your debut, tell the fight fans about yourself.
 
HM:  I was born and raised in Honduras, South America.  I moved to New Jersey and lived for eight years before I moved to Des Moines.  I attend Grandview University and train with MCC fighter, Johnny “Coletrain” Coleman.  I am excited to make my MCC debut in the featherweight division and I hope to have not only a win, but a great performance.
 
MCC:  Give us some information on your martial arts background.
 
HM:  My strength is my wrestling.  I wrestled for nine years.  I’ve placed twice and won first in the one of the biggest tournaments in New Jersey, The Cutter Classic.  Overall, I have 120 wins and 30 losses during my wrestling career.  I trained muay Thai for about a year prior to moving to Des Moines and trained jiu jitsu for a couple years now.  Also, I used to take boxing lessons at a club in Jersey that was police run.  It was started to keep at risk kids off the streets.  I was there for three years.  So, I guess you could say I’m well rounded, trained in everything, but again, I like to use my wrestling the most.
 
MCC:  How about MMA?  What is your record and how long have you been competing?
 
HM:  My record is 8-1.  I started training MMA at place that was ran by my best friend’s dad. I would go and train there during the weekends and after school with a couple of friends. After a while I didn’t have the money to pay fees so we took everything we knew and set up a little gym in my friends basement and trained there.  We would practice all the moves that we knew over and over. Now, I train here in Iowa with Johnny Coleman and other members of 515 Elite.  I had never fought in a cage before I moved to Iowa, so that was definitely a new experience for me.
 
MCC:  We’ve watched you compete several times at MCC’s sister show; DMX.  In 2009, you took a break for half the year.  Tell us about that.
 
HM:  I was involved in a pretty serious car accident.  I received a lot of damage to my face and was not sure if I would be able to compete again.  I took the time off to heal and get healthy.  Once I knew I was fully recovered, I started training again and then fought.  I was just glad I was able to compete again!  I have a really good team behind me with a lot of talented people.  They give me a good place to train and a lot of support.
 
MCC:  How about your family?  What do they think of you competing in the toughest sport in the world?
 
HM:  Surprisingly I do get support from them, a lot of my family, at first, had no idea I was fighting and now they support me and come watch me fight whenever they can. My family is cool about me fighting, but then again you know how parents are, even if you are fine they still worry, but I do have their support as well.
 
MCC:  Give us your thoughts on competing for MCC as well as your thoughts on your opponent.
 
HM:  Oh Man, this opportunity is huge for me.  It is such an honor to be able to be fighting for MCC. When my manager told me about the fight I was really excited.  As far as my opponent, I am not much of a shit talker, and I really have nothing to say about my him.  If I have any thoughts on any of my opponents I will just show it inside the cage. I really don’t know anything about him so I can’t really say anything about him. I know he is making his MCC debut as well, so I’m sure he will be nervous, excited, and looking to make a statement too.
MCC:  What motivates you stepping into the ring or cage, in this case?
 
HM:  My motivation when I step into the ring is all the hard work I put coming into a fight and that I am standing there alone and if i don’t take my opponent out first, he will take me out. Also, my team mates, friends, family and can’t forget about my girlfriend, she always believes in me at times when I don’t believe in myself.  This is my motivation!
 
MCC:  Thanks for your time.  We look forward to watching you compete on June 11.
 
HM:  Thank you.  I’m not sure if I have any fans, but it would be really cool if I do.  Hopefully, after my fight I may gain a few- or many!  I also want to thank my team, 515 Elite Fight Team for all the support.  I will see everyone in a couple weeks!