‘The Crank’ gearing up for 2012

Saipan’s Frank “The Crank” Camacho has been busy training hard for Team Lloyd Irvin mixed martial arts in Camp Springs, Maryland in preparation for several MMA and submission/grappling events in 2012.

He is also hitting the mat helping to train some of his teammates for their upcoming Ultimate Fighter Championship and Strike Force bouts.

Camacho works daily with Strike Force’s Ron Stallings, UFC lightweight contender Phil “Mr. Wonderful” Davis, UFC Bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz, as well as UFC fighters Brandon Vera, Mike “The Hulk” Easton, and Stephen Bass.

He is also helping train a stout group of world class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners as they prepare for the 2012 BJJ World Championships in Long Beach, California, slated for some time in June.

The BJJ artists include black belts J.T. “Spiderman” Torres, Jimmy “JAH” Harbison, Andris Brunovskis, Keenan Cornelius, Sijara Eubanks, and D.J. “The Kimura Kid” Jackson.

“I am cranking it up to get myself ready to get back in the cage this 2012. I have been cutting weight to compete as a lightweight and I feel like I am in the best shape of my life. I may enter into some submission and grappling events, but my main focus is getting back on the fight scene,” stated Camacho in an email to Saipan Tribune Wednesday.

Camacho admitted that he might have indulged an too much Chamorro food during his recent visit, but upon his return to the mainland, he has been working with Marine Corps veteran George Lockhart, who is a renowned nutrition consultant that cross-trained with former Olympian Rhadi Ferguson.

He is also working with his strength and conditioning coach D’Angelo Kinard of Advanced Sports Performance.

Camacho returned from Saipan tipping the scales at 188 lbs, and somehow managed to cut all the way down to 155 lb in just six weeks.

“All I can say that Mr. Lockhart and Mr. Kinard really know their stuff. I can’t give away their secrets, but I admit I was impressed that I pulled it off in time for my bout and that we did it in a healthy manner,” assured Camacho.

According to Sherdog.com, Camacho holds a win-loss record of 10-2. He notched a second round knockout victory in an Ultimate Warrior Challenge bout earlier this year.

Camacho also shared that he will be visiting Saipan next week and that he is starting a toy drive for charity this holiday season.

Visit freecrankshirt.com to see how you can win a pair of free limited edition Frank “The Crank” T-shirts.

The T-shirts are also on sale and $5 of every shirt purchased will be donated toward Camacho’s toy drive that will be presented to kids that may otherwise not receive a gift this holiday season.

Winners will be selected weekly until the promotion ends on Dec. 22, 2011.

“I want to wish everyone in the CNMI a happy and warm Thanksgiving. Whether you are laying a turkey on the table or sipping on syrup with your bunelos, give thanks,” stated Camacho.

He added, “Be on the look out for my new T-shirt. I started the toy drive as a way to give back to community (for Karidat) and I want to remind everyone that the proceeds raised go toward a worthy cause. It’s like killing two birds with one stone—the shirts make great gifts and by purchasing one you also get to donate to charity,” he said.

Fans can also follow Camacho on his website http://crankeffect.com or on Facebook at www.crankfans.com.