Fighter Focus: Getting to Know Mitch “The Convict” Parker

Fighter Focus: Getting to Know Mitch “The Convict” Parker
 
At MCC 27: “Mutapcic vs. Cummings”, newcomer Mitch Parker will face off against undefeated striker, Luis Saldana.  We caught up with Parker in the middle of his training camp so we can get to know “The Convict” a little better.
 
MCC:  Mitch, welcome to MCC.  First off, what’s the story behind your nickname?
 
MP:  You want a story? Well, how about this one? I have a computer programming degree, but I can’t get a job programming because I’m what they call a violent person. I don’t think I am violent, I just stand up for what I believe in.  I use to ask God why he made me so good with my hands? Now I know why. I’m actually one of the nicest and most caring guy you’ll ever meet, I just like to fight.  I used to do it illegally. Now, I do it legally.
 
MCC:  It’s a good thing for mixed martial arts then!  Tell the fight fans where you grew up and about your background (besides street fighting)!
 
MP:  I was born in Melcher-Dallas, Iowa.  I grew up with three brothers; Mike who is the oldest, then me, Mitch, Gerald and my youngest brother Bean. Gerald and I are only a year apart so we were always really competitive.  I started wrestling when I was four.  What do they call it, brotherly love? In small towns like Melcher there’s only a few things to do: drinking and fighting are the most popular.  I have always loved wrestling and throwing down!
 
MCC:  Where are you training, and how long have you been involved in the sport?
 
MP:  I started training last Summer at The Mules Pen in Melcher-Dallas.  I also train with Team Pound Out and in Centerville with the Centerville Bad Boys.  I have a lot of good training partners and I am gaining experience quickly for only being in the sport a year.  So far, my career in MMA has gone very well. I love sport and I feel like this was created just for guys like me.  I’m 10-0 and I’m the current Featherweight MMAC champ.  I’m currently ranked ninth at 155 lbs by Midwest Fighters Focus and I’m also ranked sixth at 145 lbs. I want to get a few more fights under my belt before turn pro.
 
MCC:  You are undefeated.  Your opponent is undefeated.  Some one is walking out of the cage with a blemish on their record!  What do you know about Luis Saldana?
 
MP:  I think Luis has a good stand up game and I have been told he has very heavy hands.  I watched Luis’s last fight at MCC 26 when he beat Steve Greene. He took care of business that night, but he’s never fought anyone like me! I’m going out there to end this fight as quickly as possible and I will take whatever comes to me.  I can knock him out.  I can submit him.  It doesn’t matter.  I will just go with the flow,adapt, and attack!  I’m looking forward to fighting for MCC because it’s the biggest show around the Midwest! You have to fight the and beat the best to be the best, and I am looking forward to that.
 
MCC:  I’m sure you get a lot of support from your friends and family, right?
 
MP:  For sure!  Every time I have competed, there has been at least a lot of my close friends and family there to support me.  I’m 33 years old, and this is something positive I can show my children,  I have done things the wrong way in the past. Now, I am doing the right things and I get better with each fight.  That’s my motivation.  I want to fight good, tough guys and beat them.  When I am told I have my hands full, that pushes me even harder.
 
MCC:  We look forward to watching you in action.  Is there anyone you would like to thank?
 
MP:  First, I would like to thank MCC for the opportunity.  I will not let you guys down.  I would also like to thank CJ Anderson, Lee Sandmeirer, Eric Kirkpatrick, Gerald Parker, Chris Counts and Mikey Johnson from the Mules Penn.  Also, Ryan Rote , Chris Beardshears and Brach Amos from Team Pound Out.  And finally, Tanner McClure, Curtis Temple, Moe Spears and David Burton over at Centerville Bad Boys.  A big thanks to all my friends and family.  I love you all.