Former UFC fighter James Vick is set for his Karate Combat debut.
Vick will compete at Karate Combat 36 against Jorge Perez. Following 14 fights inside the Octagon, Vick knows he must be ready to end the bout with Perez.
“When I first saw Karate Combat I was like ‘Man, this is amazing’. If you’re fighting in this thing it’s like you’re in a Van Damme movie, like Bloodsport or something,” Vick said. “I loved all those movies when I was growing up!
“I really love karate. I was always a huge [Stephen Thompson] ‘Wonderboy’ fan. Him and guys like Lyoto Machida seemed to fight with a style which had them taking the least amount of damage.
“That’s what first sparked my interest in training karate. I felt that style would be good for me because I’m kind of a natural counter-puncher, so I started training and really just fell in love with it.”
Vick also knows that he carries a big name, and with it, a big opportunity for his opponent, Perez.
“I think both of us come to kill or be killed and I want that bonus money as well. It’s gonna be exciting, we’re not going to sit back and play it safe,” Vick said. “I’ve watched his fights. He’s athletic, he’s tough. [In Karate Combat] he’s got two wins by KO and two losses by KO, so he’s someone who can finish the fight and he’s someone who can be finished. I don’t think this goes to decision.
He’s a southpaw and I feel like I do well with southpaws. He’s obviously dangerous but I think my experience will show through. I’m the favorite and I think for sure I should be winning this fight, but I am not taking him lightly at all. I’ve never taken any opponent lightly.”
