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| photo courtesy/instagram.com/the.visual.knockout |
I caught up with "The Renegade" prior to his title fight
to see how he has been? and to ask him, what many have asked me. "Where is Gibson? where is he training? does he still live in the Valley?" Gibson was born and raised in Visalia, Ca and graduated from Mt. Whitney High School where he made a name for himself on the wrestling mats. He then made a name for himself in the MMA world as well, to where if you didn't know about Cody, he would even suggest to "google me" to find out. Gibson who trained at Elite Team Visalia back then, reached the UFC where he had some wars. He was also a great coach and teacher for local schools in the area. Gibson headlined a LFA event in 2018 and then took a break from MMA. The pandemic made its way in and out of our lives, and when MMA returned so did Cody. I asked Cody where he now resides and what he has been up to? he started by saying,"I moved to the central coast in the summer of 2020. I live in a small town called Templeton about 20 minutes North of San Luis Obispo. I love the 559 but my wife’s family had all migrated this way and we had an opportunity to move out here so we took the leap of faith and did it. The 805 is where I live now but the 559 will always be home! When I moved here, I got a job teaching AP U.S. History in Arroyo Grande, CA. After two years there, I got tired of the 40 minute commute and got a job teaching P.E at Atascadero Middle School. I enjoy working with this group and the best part about the job is that for the most part, when I leave work, I leave work at work! It gives me more time to focus on training and family life.
Cody's last fight in California was in the main event for Legacy Fighting Championship 51 in Fresno. Since his return, he has been fighting mainly on the east coast. Gibson picked up a couple impressive wins under the XMMA banner, including a win over UFC vet John Dodson. He was then signed to a multi fight deal by Eagle FC. I asked Cody how it felt fighting back in Cali? he replied,
"I am very excited to be fighting in California again! My last three fights have all been on the East Coast so I’m excited to be back in California. I was overwhelmed with humility when so many people reached out and were interested in making the trip down to Los Angeles to see the fight. We’re fighting in my opponent’s backyard but I feel like we are going to have a good amount of people there that have my back."
Gibson came up short in his first fight with Eagle FC in January. Since then the promotion hasn't kept "The Renegade" busy. Eagle FC also hasn't put on a event in the States since their Miami show in May. I asked Cody where he stood with Eagle FC and how he feels about Up Next Fighting? he said,
"I signed an exclusive four fight deal with Eagle FC after my fight with Ray Borg in January. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing war with Ukraine (or other reasons I’m not aware of) the promotion has had problems having shows in the United States. Luckily, they were cool when I asked for my release so I can pursue fights elsewhere. The promotion I am fighting for this fight is a Los Angeles based promotion called Up Next Fighting. They’ve got a really good team of people around them. I was able to go down to watch their amateur show “Rising Stars” a couple weeks ago and was impressed by the production value of the show."
"The Renegade" takes on a fellow UFC vet, (15-9) Francisco "Cisco" Rivera. Who Is no stranger to the Up Next Fighting promotion. He picked up a win there in August and looks to make it two in a row when he welcomes Gibson back to Cali. The fight is now for the vacant Up Next Fighting Bantamweight title. I asked about how has training been going for this title fight, and what it means to fight for this championship?
"The fight is indeed for a title, although, for whatever reason, it’s only a 3 round fight. I’ve never been that attached to material things like title belts. For me, I cherish the journey and the growth I experience more than any accolades. Adding another title to my resume is nice, but I’m more excited about the opponent and challenge ahead."
Fransico Rivera competed for the UFC from 2012 to 2016 facing some tough opponents. Rivera also took a break from fighting following a loss at UFC 201. He returned to the sport in impressive fashion picking up a couple of finishes to get back on track in 2021. "Cisco" last took on Teruto Ishihara at Up Next Fighting 2, where he got a unanimous decision win. I asked Cody what he expected from his well known opponent? he replied,
"I expect Francisco to do what he always does. He comes forward and wants to get in the pocket and throw bombs. I believe I have several paths to victory in this fight and it all just depends on what Francisco gives me. I’ll let him decide how he loses."
Since his move, Gibson has been training at The Pit, home to legends John Hackleman and Chuck Liddell. I asked Cody if he had any sponsors or supporters to thank? He mainly praised his team and training partners for giving him a new chapter in his MMA journey. Gibson finshed by saying,
"I’d like to thank everyone here at The Pit who have invested time and energy into me. When I moved here, I wasn’t sure what to expect or how I’d be received on a new team. Antonio Banuelos, Justin Frazier, Castle Williams, as well as all of my training partners and teammates have given my career a second life and I am very grateful for that."
The event will also be live on Fite TV for $19.99 at www.fite.tv/watch/ufn-3/2pcaf/
Also on the card:
UNF Flyweight Championship Gilbert Nakatani vs Victor Rosas
Serob "Gulo" Minasyan vs Chilo Gutierrez
Brandon Spencer vs Marcelino Silva
Dion "Westside" Young vs Saad Ul-Hasan
Derion Chapman vs Demarcus Brown
Diego Perez vs Zack Kraschinsky
johnny Robles vs Benji Gomez
Niko Ruiz vs David Douglas
Zhora Sahakyan vs Michael Reddemann
Herminio Gutierrez vs Ernie Juarez
Albert Lee vs Bryant Shell
Miguel Guzman vs Lance Martinez
Check out Up Next Fighting at www.upnextfighting.com On FB@www.facebook.com/upnextfighting On IG@www.instagram.com/upnextfighting/
Check back with www.valleyfightnews.com for more on this fight and more!
By: Daniel "Trip" Quintana www.noweakshitever.com
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