Timothy Teves: “I force myself into the Fire”
At Bellator 213 this Saturday, Timothy Teves will square off with Canaan Kawaihae. Mika Frankl caught up Teves at JacksonWink MMA to about the upcoming fight, get his feelings about being part of Bellator Hawaii, and what kind of fight he expects on December 15.
I can feel your energy, how excited are you for this fight?
“Bellator Hawaii man. I’m super excited to fight in my home island. I’m super grateful to have this opportunity thank you Scott Cocker in Rich Chau for giving me an opportunity. Big respects to the champ Ilima-Lei MacFarlane for bring Bellator to Hawaii. Without you, none of this would be possible.”
Where are you at in your career now?
“I’m currently 3-0 as a professional. I got two big wins, over two top level contenders. I have a state championship title at 145 and a Hawaii world title and 145.”
What did your first trip out to Jacksonwink MMA do for your game?
“It’s set my mind on a different level. I committed to my professional career. My first trip out here was 15 months ago and from then everything just fell into place. I got the right opportunities at the right time. I had some tough challenges, overcame them, never gave up, kept pushing, and that’s why I am at the spot I’m at today.”
What currently been your focus in training?
“I’m still working on my skill level. I’m trying to be more of an evolved fighter, which I feel is a complete fighter, being a jiu jitsu guy a wrestling guy and a stand-up striker. Trying to put it all together. It’s been working out great as you’ve seen my last performances. Just working hard and keep training.”
Talk to me about motivation?
“I’ve been super motivated. I’ve been away from my family again. This time it’s been a short five weeks. Last time I was out here was for eight weeks total. So, I had a little shorter time this time. The motivation levels have been very high knowing the elevation levels are high, knowing that I had to acclimate myself out here. It took me at least two weeks acclimate. After that I had a short three weeks to prepare hard. I force myself into the fire every day. It was never an easy train out here. Everyone is a beast out here. I’m just thankful that I got the right preparation, I’m thankful I got tested the last three weeks. That’s what I needed. I needed to be pushed. at home I was comfortable I was doing my own thing. Out here, I’m getting pushed hard by performers from all over the world. I’m confident, in my mind, I got the preparation needed for this fight.”
What are you expecting from Canaan Kawaihae ?
“He’s a Jiu Jitsu guy. That’s where his roots come from. I pretty much know he’s going try and keep it standing. He likes to play along, acts like he like to stand, eventually he’ll get hit. He’ll eventually shoot. That’s what I’m expecting. I’m excepting to keep it standing, make him shoot, and make him pay.”
Paramount/Dazn Main Card
125 Title: Ilima-Lei Macfarlane vs. Valerie Letoureau
185: Lyoto Machida vs. Rafael Carvalho
170 Grand Prix: Ed Ruth vs. Neiman Gracie
205: Muhammed Lawal vs. Liam McGeary
155: Nainoa Dung vs. Kona Oliceira
Bellator App/Dazn Prelims
145: Timothy Teves vs. Canaan Kawaihae
135: Kai Kamaka III vs. Shojin Miki
155: Ryan Dela Cruz vs. Spencer Higa
155: Dustin Barca vs. Isaac Hopps
205: Kala Hose vs. Marcus Gamble
170: Maki Pitolo vs. Chris Cisneros
125: Russell Mizuguchi vs. Michael Nakagawa
