‘The Crank’ eyes UFC fight

Frank “The Crank” Camacho delivers a punch on the side of South Korean challenger Jae Woong Kim during their non-title bout in last week’s Trench Warz 18: Rock & Rumble at the Royal Taga Hall of the Saipan World Resort. (Jon Perez)

Camacho, who will be returning to Guam on Dec. 20, said it has been his dream to someday fight in the UFC since he started in mixed martial arts at the then Trench Tech gym’s first location in Beach Road more than five years ago.

The UFC, which is based in the United States, is the biggest MMA promotion company in the world and features the best and top-ranked fighters in the sport. Dana White is UFC’s president and the company has already organized more than 250 fights since the first event was held on Nov. 12, 1993 in Denver, Colorado.

“That has been my goal. Fight in the UFC and represent the people of the Marianas,” said Camacho, who last week made a winning return to his MMA roots when he forced South Korean Jae Woong Kim to submission via arm triangle choke in the first round of their non-title bout in Trench Warz 18: Rock & Rumble at the packed Royal Taga Hall of the Saipan World Resort.

Camacho came out victorious in his return fight in Trench Warz despite receiving only a six-week notice.

“That’s why I planned to end the fight against Kim right away. Kim’s a very strong wrestler and an explosive fighter that’s why I tried to slow him down by delivering punches on the right side of his body and ribcage,” the MMA fighter said.

Camacho, who is now based in Guam , added his UFC dream would all depend on the chances that will be given to him.

“It’s hinged on different opportunities that will be presented to me. Just last month, I came home from San Diego where I trained there for six months,” said the 25-year-old fighter, who was born in Guam and raised on Saipan.

“I need to stay healthy this time after I hurt my back in June. I’m happy with all the help that I get from my team and Trench Tech—they get me back into fighting shape. A lot of people helped me with my rehab and I’ve been doing the right exercises to strengthen my back,” said Camacho.

“I need to stay active since there’s a PXC event in March. And I’m ready to fight again,” he added.

With a lot of young and rising fighters looking up to him, Camacho urged them to work harder in everything they do.

“They should find the best gym. Stay healthy and discipline, keep a positive attitude, and work harder. Everything will fall into place if you really put your mind into it,” Camacho ended. (Jon Perez)