Portrait of Legend - Abel 'Amazin' Speed

Fighter profile of Abel Speed by Petro Sohitto

Forbidden Violence Presents:

37 years old Middleweight Champion of Forbidden Violence Organization, true Legend of Mixed Martial Arts. He has gained his Title, shortly before his 36 birthday. Despite of his age, he can not only handle fighting against much younger fighters, but also give them lesson of humility. Abel 'Amazin' Speed, surely future Hall of Famer found short while for our Fans in the early morning- we had to catch him at 5:30a.m., just before he starts his daily routine. Exclusively for Forbidden Violence Magazine, we have managed to ask him few questions.

Petro Sohitto  - You have acquired Championship title of Forbidden Violence when You were 36. You lost it at first occasion, but also regained it just after that, shortly before Your 37 birthday. How do You feel competing with much younger fighters, and how long You would like to stay on that World Class Level fighting- do You have already any thoughts about that?

Abel Speed - My physical capacity dictates my career, not age. If my chin is still holding and I can still run circles around these kids then I'll be fighting when 87. I am a genetic specimen, a physical phenom. I will be here for a long time to come.

Petro Sohitto - We are now slowly at the beginnings of end of Your great career. But do You remember how it all has started? We all know, that You were one of the most spectacular fighters- 16 Professional fights without lose streak- 15 wins, and 1 draw against Semi Silva, who was also beaten later during this streak! That’s definitely something special.

Abel Speed - Those were the golden years... I was so fast out if the block early in my career my opponents often looked like invalids. Not taking anything away from me now but I was a god damned lightening bolt compared to everyone else back in the day. No one could touch me. That was of course with a precious manager who tried once too often to towel me off after a shower and we had to part ways but that's a story for another interview.

Petro Sohitto - What do You do to remain in top form? You aren’t old yet of course, but in few years it will surely come time to say stop and just aim a little lower. But actually You fight 6,8,12 years old younger top class fighters! You must have Your own way to perform like that.

Abel Speed - Let's just say I have my own special recipe cooked up by Sonny that keeps me in top form. Definitely sparring with the young studs from The Exiled helps wonders to keep me on top.

Petro Sohitto - Do you have any pre-fight rituals or superstitions that you do before fight?

Abel Speed - Well I do take the wife of my opener into my locker room before a fight but again I will have to share what goes on behind closed doors in a more appropriate forum.

Petro Sohitto - You will be fighting against Jermaine Barksdale, who is known as great all-round fighter. Can You tell us, how did You prepare for Your fights like this? I definitely don’t want any of Your tactics, etc- anything what can reveal You and help Your opponent, of course.

Abel Speed - I like training for fights like this because his style basically matches mine. I can settle in and really do my thing in training camp. Focus on me, not my opponent. He brings nothing I don't have.

Petro Sohitto - What can You say about Jermain Barksdale and upcoming fight?

Abel Speed - This fight will be good not matter where it goes. We're both well versed on the feet and ground. I love coming in as the smaller faster guy. I like and respect my opponent enough to take this fight as the obvious underdog and that will make the victory that much sweeter.

Petro Sohitto - Barksdale was KOd last time when he was 28. He is 31 now. Can You put any comment on that?

Abel Speed - There's more than 1 way to kill a cat. Next question.

Petro Sohitto - Have You ever thought about what would You do in Your life, If not mixed martial arts? What would it be, then?

Abel Speed - I would be an internet MMA Tycoon. Best life ever in or out of MMA.

Petro Sohitto - Did You have any thoughts, what will You do after retirement from mixed martial arts?

Abel Speed - I have many job offers on the table but right now the eye is on the prize and that is stepping up a weight class and winning the 2nd strap for my manager, gym, and fans.

Petro Sohitto - How do you spend your free time? What do you like to do to take your mind off from fighting?

Abel Speed - I like to train at the gym and compete in triathlons when I'm not training for a fight.

Petro Sohitto - Would You like to greet anyone? Fans? Family? Someone important in Your life or Career?

Abel Speed - I would like to thank my family, fans, Hellbent for the sponsor, and of course a huuuuge shout out to the big man upstairs. Thank ya Jesus!

Petro Sohitto - Thank You very much on our Fans behalf, and we all wish You good luck in upcoming fight!

Brought to You by

Petro Sohitto.

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