Before Remo Cardarelli returns to action versus unbeaten flyweight Josh Ricci at CES MMA 39 on November 4 at Plymouth Memorial Hall in Plymouth, Mass., LIVE on AXS TV Fights, he sat down with Pro MMA Now.
How did you find MMA to begin with?
Back when I was in school, I was always the smallest kid, so I was always getting picked on. I was always afraid to stick up for myself and cared too much about what others thought, so I’d never stand up for myself. When high school hit, I stopped caring. I decided I didn’t care what other people thought, so I started fighting back when I’d get picked on, and I started kicking ass (laughs). One day I told my dad that I wanted to train, and a week later he found me a gym. That was seven years ago, and I haven’t looked back.
Where does Josh Ricci rank among the toughest opponents you’ve fought?
I don’t have a lot of information about him, to be completely honest. He’s established a name for himself in New York. He’s had a few amateur fights, I believe, and he’s undefeated as a pro so far. I’ve heard nothing but good things about the guy. But I’m just at the point now where I let my management and coaches make decisions for me, as hard as it is for me to bite my tongue sometimes. I’m excited to fight Josh. I’m excited to take him out and move along. I’m ready to make another big statement in New England.
How excited are you to be back with CES MMA?
I’m excited. I’ve only fought for them once before. CES MMA has done a lot of good for fighters, especially with AXS TV Fights back them up big time, and those guys have always been good to me, even though I haven’t really fought for them too much. They’ve always wished me well, and I’m excited to fight for them again. It should be a good show.
How do you see this fight playing out?
Again, I don’t know much about Josh or his fighting style. I’ve heard he’s got good jiu-jitsu. But I never really make predictions going into my fights either. Most of the time I go in there with a clear head and take what’s given to me. I’ll take the win any way I can. I’m definitely looking for a finish; I never want my fights to go to the judges.
What does a win in November do for your career?
A victory in November is going to put me back on track again. I’ve got to keep accumulating wins and climbing up that ladder. That starts with another big win in New England. My record, 6-4, doesn’t speak very highly of myself, but I’m a dangerous fighter who has fought the best guys in New England — some twice. A win in November puts me back in the winner’s circle, and I’m happy and ready to go.