Resilient, durable Frankie ‘Praying Mantis’ Buenafuente defends at ROC 57
Resilient, durable Frankie ‘Praying Mantis’ Buenafuente defends at ROC 57
No matter what sport you compete in, the number one “ability” needed is availability. Ring of Combat 145 lb champion, Frankie Buenafuente, has certainly carried that torch the last year as he prepares to enter the cage to defend his title this Friday in Atlantic City, NJ inside the Tropicana Showroom right off the Boardwalk. Buenafuente will be fighting for the fifth time in the last 12 months which have all been wins up to this point. He captured the championship at ROC 55, defended it at ROC 56 and now takes on former 135 lb champion, Tiger Schulmann MMA trained, Julio Arce in the main event at ROC 57.
Arce is a southpaw who is also a former Golden Gloves champ. His footwork and boxing are very smooth. Julio is stepping up in weight class and has a very formidable task in trying to fend off the lethal double leg takedowns of the defending champ. While Frankie has continued to improve in all areas, especially his striking and submissions, his game plan will probably not shy away from his trademark wrestling.
Prior to ROC 56, Louis Neglia had stated to me that Buenafuente would be his next champion who would be signed by the UFC. His 5 fight win streak has been very impressive as well as his ability to stay healthy. The grind of working full time and training to fight continually, can take it’s toll on both the body and mind. I spoke with the champ and wanted to get his thoughts as to fighting again on the regional show as well as his impressions from last night’s epic event in Madison Square Garden, UFC 205.
Listen to Frankie Buenafuente talk ROC 57 below:
