Erin Jimenez and Ricardo Mix’co fight in VA Beach Muay Thai smokers
This weekend, Erin and Ricardo represented the Crazy 88’s code of honor at, Bushido MMA Academy in Virginia Beach. Both fighters fought three hard rounds relentlessly and at a pace that would tire the energizer bunny. Despite the 8 hours spent in the car, the experience was worth it for both the fighters and the coaches.
The first fighter up was Erin Jimenez (aka Big E’rn). She was given less than a week notice and was up against a ten pounds discrepancy but Erin and her coaches were confident. The opponent was an undefeated 2-0 MMA fighter, Lori Hankins from MMA Institute. On paper Erin was at a disadvantage but in the ring it was different. Erin came out aggressive, firing her 1-2 leg kick. The power from the leg kick turned Lori to the perfect angle for her straight right cross. The first round was all Erin as she dropped Lori with a push kick and danced around her and hit her with big crosses from the outside. The next two rounds were just as exciting as the first, with Big E’rn doing some clinch work with her much taller opponent. Lori stayed in there all three rounds with her guard high and stood upright in the clinch to avoid the big knees. This was definitely not what Lori expected, stating after the fight, “I was worried I would be too heavy and she (Erin) wouldn’t want to fight me. Five opponents already dropped out on me.” There was no backing down from Erin Jimenez, as she put on another great performance.
“Edward had drawn many careful lines for our physical relationship, with the intent being to keep me alive. Though I respected the need for maintaining a safe distance between my skin and his razor-sharp, venom-coated teeth, I tended to forget about trivial things like that when he was kissing me.”
Ricardo Mix’co was the main event. His opponent was a five year pro MMA fighter from Hybrid Academy, Michael Phillips. Ricardo has been training at 88 for just over a year and this was his second Muay Thai smoker. The coaches had discussed the fight and knowing Ricardo’s fight mentality and his work ethic, we were certain Ricardo was going to embrace this challenge. From the starting bell to the last second, Ricardo made us proud by mixing his kick and punches smoothly and occasionly stunned the pro with his signature left cross. One memorable moment of the fight was the left leg round house kick to the body that he landed after punch flurries that almost finished the fight. The experience factor was suppose to play a part in this fight but Ricardo listening and trusting his coach’s instruction payed off. On paper this should have been an easy fight for the Pro but Mix’co proved otherwise, as he displayed that hard work can overcome years of experience.
Ricardo Mix’co celebrates.
As we arrived at Bushido for our mere second time, the unfamiliar receptionist greeted us with excitement, “You guys are from Crazy 88”, and we nodded. Yes indeed, Crazy 88 Muay Thai team is here and we are here to stay. As we left the fight at 10pm for our long four hour drive, all we thought of was what we learn from it, how to refine it and apply it. The coaches and the team are very proud of the performances of Erin and Ricardo at Bushido and we are very excited for the next one.
Team Lloyd Irvin coach Jose Villarisco “studying film” on his students opponents.
