Team Crank brings island vibe to NC

Frank “The Crank” Camacho signs a promotional poster for the Ultimate Fighting Championship on FOX 27: Jacare VS Brunson that will be held this weekend at the Spectrum Center in Charlottesville, North Carolina. (Contributed Photo)

Frank “The Crank” Camacho—wearing a pair of zoris, board shorts, and shirts provided by some of his sponsors—and the rest of Team Crank have brought in the island spirit to North Carolina.

Camacho along with wife Sarah, TrenchTech promoter Cuki Alvarez, and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu coach Stephen Roberto are now in Charlotte for his Saturday (Sunday, Saipan time) match against Drew Dober in an Ultimate Fighting Championship-sponsored event. The 28-year-old pride of the Marianas will take on the Omaha, Nebraska-born Dober (18-8, 4 by knockout) in UFC ON FOX 27: Jacare VS Brunson in one of the four main card bouts at the Spectrum Center.

This will be Camacho’s third time on the UFC cage, but first in the mainland under the world-renowned promotional outfit. This could bring him closer to his dream of fighting in the big stage in Las Vegas either at the MGM Grand or Mandalay Bay.

Camacho (21-5, 15 KOs) said their mood in the final stretch of the training camp has been great as they all look forward to his match against the Elevation Fight Team member. Other Team Crank members would arrive before the fight.

“We brought the island vibes and Hafa Adai spirit all the way to North Carolina. I can’t wait for the fight and do what I love inside the cage,” Camacho told Saipan Tribune. He and other members of Team Crank arrived in Charlotte last Sunday.

He hit the gym for the last stages of his training camp the next day, Monday, and is now in the process of cutting weight to meet the 156-lb limit for fighters in the lightweight division. They are staying at the Renaissance Charlotte Suites Hotel.

Camacho said that he still gets nervous despite the fact that his match against Dober is going to be his 27th fight as a professional.

“I usually start feeling the nerves on fight day. But, I always just take in all of my past experiences and live each moment of the day. I’m always humbled for the opportunity to do what I love and show the world the islands where I come from,” he added.

Camacho’s message to his fans in the Marianas is to enjoy watching the fight.

“May everyone back home get together and enjoy each other’s company together this fight weekend. And please, please eat some Chamorro barbecue for me until I get back,” he jokingly added.