Frank Gomez

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training MMA in 2006 with Jake Shields and Gilbert Melendez and fell in love with MMA. Basically, I have been wrestling my whole life I and wanted to continue doing something along those lines.   

 

What ranks and titles have you held: None

 

Do you have any heroes? My parents, because they always support me, keep me focused, and always remind me who I am and where I came from.

 

What is your favorite technique? I’m an MMA fighter, and I believe if you want to be competitive in today’s MMA world you have to work on everything - stand-up and the ground games. So, I try not to have a favorite technique because I don’t want to become one-dimensional.  

 

What does it mean for you to fight in the WEC? When I first started in 2006 it was my goal to be in the WEC. So, really this is a dream come true. I knew that if I wanted to fight with the best, the WEC would be the organization. 

 

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I earned a wrestling scholarship from San Francisco State and stopped going to school in after my first year in 2006. Once I started training MMA training there was no going back. My sights were on becoming a professional MMA fighter.   

 

What was your job before you started fighting? I was a full time student. 

 

Most memorable professional fight (who, where, why)? Believe it or not, it was my last fight (WEC 38 – Scott Jorgensen). It was my first MMA loss and I learned a tremendous amount from that loss. It was not my favorite but it made me a better fighter. 

 

What was your most challenging professional fight (against who, when, what was the outcome)? It was my third pro fight and everything that could have gone wrong did! First, I cut down to 145 pounds and later found out the fight was actually set at 155. The promoter failed to inform my manager or me about the change, however my opponent weighed in at 155. Then they cancelled the two fights just before mine and I did not have time to warm up. Fortunately, I won but it was a tough fight.

 

Did you compete in any other sport(s) at college or professional level (what sport, where, how long)? Wrestling, I wrestled for San Francisco State. I started wresting when I was 5 years old until after my first year at SF State.  

 

Who were your training partners for this fight? All my teammates at Jacksons mixed martial arts have been getting me ready for a war.

 

Did you put more emphasis towards a fighting style or adjust your training to prepare for your opponent (what did you do differently/why)? No, I’ve trained everything equally because I know Wagnney also has world class wrestling and striking so I know I have to be ready for everything.

 

What, other than WINNING, are you using for motivation for the fight? I want a title shot. That’s what I’m here for and I know beating Wagnney will get me that much closer to a title shot.

 

What is your favorite thing about this sport? The competition and rush you get when you do win. There is nothing like it!

 

How long do you see yourself staying in this sport? As long as my body allows me to be competitive. I’m only 23 and see myself in this sport for a pretty long time.