thePULSE
If you’re a fan of professional UFC fighting, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or MMA fighting, then you have probably heard of Gabriel Gonzaga. Gonzaga is known for his career as a pro heavyweight UFC fighter, a retired MMA fighter and as a black belt Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion. Gabriel also owns a martial arts studio called Squared BJJ, 333 Shrewsbury St., Worcester. At the studio, he passes his skills down to others who want to learn martial arts. Now, Gonzaga is moving into a new area of fighting – boxing. He will make his debut as a professional boxer Saturday, Oct. 28, at the DCU Center in Worcester. I got the opportunity to sit down and talk with Gabriel and one of his trainees, James McCarthy, about the upcoming fight and the studio he owns.
Question: When/Why did you start fighting?
Answer: I started to fight in 1994 as a teenager, to learn how to defend myself.
Q: You’ve been training in all of these different areas of fighting for so many years; how do you stay so motivated to keep going?
A: Martial arts starts to feel more like playing instead of going to work.
Q: Who are you fighting against?
A: I am fighting against Alejandro Esquilin Santiago. He’s a beginner in boxing, too, and also did MMA before this.
Q: What other awards have you won?
A: I’m a world champion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I’ve won awards in Judo and became a contender for the title shot in UFC.
Q: How does your studio reflect you as a fighter?
A: I’ve always been teaching; I like to teach. It’s my motivation to know that I have to keep going for the students. Before a fight, they keep me motivated to keep training.
Q: What do you anticipate the fight on Oct. 28 will be like?
A: I hope to do a good boxing match and I hope to get out of it with a victory.
Q: What strengths do you have that will help you in the fight?
A: I’m fast for my weight. I move really well for someone of my weight.
Q: What kind of training have you done for this fight?
A: A lot of strength and conditioning. Obviously practicing boxing and doing outside training like running.
Q: Is this the new beginning of a pro boxing career?
A: I’m trying to challenge myself, but you never know.
Q: Do you expect this to be a challenging fight?
A: Yes, always.
Q: How much are the tickets for the fight?
A: There are two ticket prices. General admission is $42 and floor seats are $72.
Q: What time does the fight start?
A: The fight starts at 7p.m.
Q: Have you ever fought at the DCU Center before?
A: No, never.
Q: Tell me about the studio
A: (James McCarthy); The big thing we have at the studio is that a lot of Gabe’s training styles that he’s using to prepare for this fight, the people that go in are all receiving the same exact training Gabe is receiving. While Gabe is sweating on the mats we’re all out there with him sweating on the mats too. It’s a combined effort. Gabe’s skills are the best of the best and a lot of his training styles are carrying over to his younger students. Gabe’s passing all of his knowledge to the students of the studio. Right now, we’re working with the people of Worcester to develop a kids’ program. What we want to do is like an outreach program. We want to set up this program in the city, so the kids here can come and train, learn martial arts, gain self control and become an outreach. Hopefully it becomes like an anti-bullying program. We want to create an environment where kids can expel that energy they have in a safe place.
Tickets for the upcoming fight can be found online at www.dcucenter.com/event-calendar/new-england-s-future-4/, at Squared BJJ studio and can be purchased at the DCU Center the day of event.
For more information about Gabe, his studio,or the fight ,visit www.gabrielgonzagabjj.com/index.php
– Julianne Elias
