One of our goals here at PRO MMA (promma.info) has always been to bring focus to MMA fighters, gyms, and promotions that often fly under the radar from much of the media. In this edition of PRO MMA Southeastern Fighter Spotlight we are featuring a lightweight up-and-comer by the name of Terry Robinson.

Terry trains out of Tupelo BJJ in Mississippi. He has been preparing for his third professional fight which takes place Saturday, June 20, for Cage Assault in Memphis, Tenn.. PRO MMA (promma.info) recently spoke to Terry about the MMA scene in the South, his gym, trainers, his upcoming opponent, and what UFC fighter he would most like to punch in the face.

PRO MMA: Hi Terry, thanks for speaking with us here at PRO MMA (promma.info). How are things with you?
TERRY ROBINSON: Hey thanks for having me Jack. Everything has been going great. I’ve been training hard now for several weeks getting ready to do battle.

PRO MMA: How old are you Terry and where are you from?
TERRY ROBINSON: I’m 32 yrs old and I’m from a town just north of Tupelo, Miss. called Saltillo.

PRO MMA: You have a fight coming up right? Where is this fight, who is your opponent, and what weight class will you be fighting at?
TERRY ROBINSON: I will be fighting on June 20th at The FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn.. I’ll be fighting Harry “Wild Child” Johnson at 155 lbs.

PRO MMA: Interesting name. What do you know about your opponent?
TERRY ROBINSON: I’m not sure of his record, but I do know he’s got several fights under his belt. He’s won a couple of belts as an amateur. He trains out of Team Vortex which is located in Memphis so he will for sure be the hometown favorite. Harry will have good cardio, he’ll be quick on his feet, and I think will be looking for the early knock-out or submission.

PRO MMA: How has your camp been going for this fight and how do you see yourself matching up with this guy?
TERRY ROBINSON: My camp has been going GREAT! I have Chris “2 Cruel” Gates and Mark Romano as my two main trainers and I couldn’t ask for two better men to be coaching me. Top-notch guys, along with all of my teammates. It has been a grueling last few weeks getting ready for this fight. I think Harry and I are a great match up. We will both come out very explosive. I think both of us will want to keep it standing and throw bombs. So its going to be action packed to say the least.

PRO MMA: When did you begin training MMA, how did you get started, and what is your current record?
TERRY ROBINSON: Let’s see… I started training in MMA three years ago. A buddy of mine got me started. He had just started training at the time and knew I was a big UFC fan so he came up to me at the firehouse one day and told me I should come check it out. I told him I didn’t even know there was a place around here you could train MMA. So the next Saturday morning I showed up, introduced myself to Chris and Mark, and I’ve been going non stop for three years. My amateur record was 4-0 and I’m 1-1 as a pro.

PRO MMA: Where do you train Terry, and who are your instructors?
TERRY ROBINSON: I train at Tupelo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Chris Gates and Mark Romano.

PRO MMA: What do you think about the MMA scene in the South and how would you compare the gyms and the competition in the South compared to the rest of the United States?
TERRY ROBINSON: I think the MMA scene is making huge progress in the South. They don’t call it “The fastest growing sport” for nothing. It’s like a wildfire burning out of control. It just keeps spreading. Ha! I love it. I can’t speak for all gyms, but I know us guys at Tupelo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a few other gyms around the area train VERY, VERY hard. I would be willing to bet there’s no other gym in the country that trains HARDER than us. Chris and Mark have been around the MMA scene for a long time and they know how to get their fighters ready for fights.

PRO MMA: Who have been some of the people you have looked up to in this sport, who has inspired you, and who do you like to watch fight and why?
TERRY ROBINSON: WOW!!! Tough question… There’s just SO many great fighters out there right now. I tell ya the ones who inspire me are the guys I train with. I know they are making their game better and better everyday so that inspires me to be better. I’ve always liked how GSP, and Forrest Griffen carry themselves. They always find a way to stay humble even when they’re on top. I like that. Frankie Edgar is another favorite. I think Sean Sherk has an awesome work ethic. Man, there’s just so many I could go on all day I think. (laughs)

PRO MMA: What do you want to ultimately accomplish in the sport of MMA and where do you see yourself five years from now?
TERRY ROBINSON: You know I’ll tell you like I told Chris and Mark when they asked me that question. I love the sport, and I’ve always been a competitive person. I want to keep training hard and fighting hard for as long as my body will let me. With that said, if I impress the right people one of these days and that opens up some doors for me then so be it. I will see where they lead me.

PRO MMA: What do you do outside the cage? What are you into besides MMA?
TERRY ROBINSON: Outside of MMA I’m a Fireman. I’ve been a fireman for about 11 years now. I’m also in law enforcement so when I’m not at the firehouse, I’m out doing the “cop” thing. Of course I love spending time with my family. I just enjoy living life really. I’ve got a lot of hobbies I like doing. Some I don’t get to do as much as I would like, but hey… that’s just how life works, right?

PRO MMA: Favorite movie?
TERRY ROBINSON: Well I can think of a couple of movies I use to watch over and over as a kid. Road House and Iron Eagle. Ha! As an adult, I would probably say… Training Day.

PRO MMA: I used to love that Road House movie and Training Day is a classic for sure. Favorite actor or actress?
TERRY ROBINSON: Denzel Washington for sure. Great actor.

PRO MMA: Favorite female?
TERRY ROBINSON: Ha! My Wife, Robbie.

PRO MMA: Not only do you fight, but you’re smart too! Name one guy in the UFC you would like to punch in the face and why.
TERRY ROBINSON: Rashad Evans. I just can’t stand watching him fight and start “showboating” I went CRAZY when Machida knocked him out. It was AWESOME!!

PRO MMA: That was a great fight. Thanks for taking the time to speak with us Terry. Do you have any words of wisdom for the masses or do you want to thank anyone?
TERRY ROBINSON: Yeah, I would like to thank you for doing this interview with me, my trainers and teammates for being there for me, and of course my family and friends for supporting me. Couldn’t do it without you guys. And as for words of wisdom I can only think of this: If you’ve ever wanted to do or try something in your life, but for whatever reason(s) hadn’t… go do it… we only live once, so make the very best of it. Go hard, or go home.

PRO MMA: Good luck in your fight and hope to talk to you soon.
TERRY ROBINSON: Thank You! Enjoyed it.

By: Jack Bratcher

One thought on “PRO MMA Southeastern Fighter Spotlight: Terry Robinson”
  1. I’m trying to reach Terry Robinson for our event in Reading, PA on October 3rd. Can you please get us in contact. Thanks.

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