Esteban “Mohawk” Rodriguez has been training harder than ever for his return to the Squared Circle at BKFC 56 on Saturday.
Motivation has never been an issue for Rodriguez, but he doesn’t have to look far for added inspiration – his close friend is battling cancer, and his brother was recently diagnosed with cancer as well.
“To see what they’re going through in their battles with sickness, it really puts things in perspective,” the 31-year-old Grand Rapids, MI fighter says. “I’ve seen so many loved ones battling disease, that I think about it when I’m training. If they don’t stop fighting, then neither will I.
“I’ve been using all this pain and sickness to fuel the rocket.”
Rodriguez is ready for lift off on Saturday as he takes on the unbeaten Keegan Vandermeer (2-0, 2 KOs) in cruiserweight action at Maverik Center in Salt Lake City, UT, LIVE on The BKFC App.
BKFC 56 features four World Championship bouts, making it the biggest event in the organization’s history, and Rodriguez is ready to rise to the occasion on fight night.
“I’m going to take the spotlight, believe me! I’m ready to put the people on their feet,” the personable big man says with a big smile. “I’m coming with everything!”
Both of Rodriguez’s BKFC victories ended before the third round, and that’s exactly what he predicts for Saturday.
“I definitely don’t see this one leaving the second round.”
