Monterrey (México): In an age of hulking heavyweights, there are many monstrosities populating MMA cages across the world. There are extremely tall heavyweights, such as Stefan Struve and Tim Sylvia, and then there are heavyweights that could easily be mistaken for NFL defensive ends, including Shane Carwin and Brock Lesnar. Rare is the man that can combine both. Yet, to anyone that has been in the presence of “The American Soldier” Eric Prindle (7-1, six T/KO finishes), that rarity certainly exists.
At 6’5”, 290 lbs., the massive Prindle is quickly carving out a reputation as a devastating finisher who can electrify fight fans. Recently, he made his Bellator Fighting Championships debut, administering a beating to Josh Burns that caused the doctor to stop the fight due to the damage inflicted. As a result, the Prescott, Arizona native was recently announced to be part of the upcoming Bellator heavyweight tournament.
“I’m proud to be in the Bellator tournament, and honored to be fighting among the best up-and-coming heavyweights in the world,” said Prindle. Not knowing who is opponent will be yet, “The American Soldier” is undeterred. “I’m physically and mentally prepared for a war, regardless of the opponent. I’m going to be in the best shape of my life. I’m improving my game every day, getting faster and stronger for my next opponent.”
“The American Soldier,” who made his pro MMA debut in Mexico in 2004, is managed by Michael Shoffner. Shoffner is the CEO of top Mexican fight promotion Combate Extremo (C.E.), with which Prindle is under exclusive contract to. Recognizing both the opportunity Prindle is being provided by Bellator, as well as the opportunity to support another MMA promotion, Shoffner has facilitated the participation of his charge in the Bellator tourney.
“Bellator is a great promotion, and we appreciate the opportunity Eric’s been given to really make his mark on MMA in their cage,” stated Shoffner. “You can expect to see more domination from Eric in the coming months and years. I’m expecting him to be the next BIG thing – pun intended.”
“I loved fighting for Bellator,” explained Prindle. “The tournament structure is awesome. I’m going to put on a war and enjoy every second of it. The promotion is great…they really take care of their fighters.”
Prindle continued, “I want to thank my first promoter and current manager, Mike Shoffner, for believing in me, and giving me the best opportunity of my career.”
In regards to the upcoming Bellator tournament, Prindle had this to say: “I don’t make predictions; I make preparations. I am going to be prepared for war, and win my battles one fight at a time.”
Look out, Bellator heavyweights.
Combate Extremo is México’s longest running professional mixed martial arts promotion. The promotion was instrumental in the growth and regulation of MMA in México by establishing the only federally appointed commission in the country – COMEXAM (Comision Mexicana de Artes Marciales Mixtas) and making it the first promotion in México to adopt the MMA Unified Rules and requiring other promoters to meet minimum regulatory standards.
To date, C.E. has promoted over 100 professional mixed martial arts events in México and internationally, running nine events in the 2010 season alone, along with another twelve scheduled for 2011. Events have featured fighters such as Jon Fitch, Aaron Riley, Brian Ebersole, Brandon Lee Hinkle, MMA pioneer Shannon “The Cannon” Ritch, IFL veteran Vince Lucero, and Bellator veterans Jorge Ortiz, Yahir Reyes, Edwin Aguilar, Cedric Marks, and showcases the top Mexican fighters competing today.
