Conversation with a Contender
February 23, 2009

Eddie Yagin loves to fight.

Raised on the tough streets of Hawaii, Eddie learned the hard way that he was blessed with a gift. Getting into street fights was nothing new to Eddie. In fact, the consequences weren’t either. It wasn’t until he turned 20 years old that he realized he needed a change in his life and move in a positive direction. His ticket off the Island and to a more positive life was in his hands. Or should I say…his fists.

In October, we had the chance to meet Eddie and after a few meetings, excitedly added him as the first official fighter for Dojo Fightgear.

We had an opportunity to sit down and talk with Eddie about his May 8th fight with Casey Olson for the PFC Championship belt:

Dojo Fightgear (DFG): How’s training going?
Eddie Yagin (EY): Training is going great. Doing some light workouts for now and in a month or so I will begin my full time regime.

DFG: What does your full time training regime consist of?
EY: My training regime is tough. I train in every aspect of fighting 7 days a week. But as hard as the training is, the punches you’ve absorbed or the sore elbows, it’s what happens after I leave the gym that’s REALLY painful.

DFG: What do you do after the gym?
EY: In the gym I put my body through a lot. Driving home I am completely exhausted and when I get home, it’s straight to an ice bath to soothe the aches and pains. That’s a part of the training a lot of people don’t realize. The healing process for a fighter can be even MORE intense than the actual workouts.

DFG: Is the dieting part of training tough?
EY: Dieting. That’s real tough for me. I’m Filipino I LOVE rice. But when I’m preparing for a fight I know I can’t have it.

DFG: Hahaha. I feel you on that one. So, you’re getting set to take on Casey Olson for the belt. What do you know about Casey?
EY: I know he’s a good wrestler and goes for a lot of take downs. And I know he’s facing the toughest opponent of his life on May 8th.

DFG: How would you describe your style?
EY: I’m pretty much a counter fighter. I like to do the complete opposite of what my opponent is trying to do. Make them change their fight plan and make mistakes.

DFG: Is there any time during the fight when you think “It’s time to turn it up and put the pressure on this guy”?
EY: Not really. I never underestimate my opponent. When you do, that’s when you tend to make mistakes. You have to keep the mentality that just because the other guy is bleeding, he’s still dangerous.

DFG: Where do you think you’re more effective: on the ground or standing?
EY: Whether on top, on my back or standing, my training allows me to be comfortable in any position during the fight.  I mean, of course there are places I’d rather not be in, but other then that I train to prepare myself to adjust.

DFG: What happened at 20 years old that made you turn to mixed martial arts?
EY: When I lived in Hawaii, there came a time in my life when I was in the gutter. I was locked up and got into a lot of fights. I was up against big guys that were obviously feared by other inmates. But I never back down and I know how to hold my own. And after showing these guys lessons it occurred to me “why am I fighting in the streets and getting into trouble? I need to make something out of my life and become someone.” Mixed martial arts changed my view on life and the life I had been living. I had become thankful of the blessing God had given me and I began to believe in my gift. I made the decision to dedicate my life to MMA.

DFG: How has your training regime changed since you started MMA?
EY: When I was 20 I used to train 4 hours 7 days a week. As times gone by I’ve learned to balance workouts and rest periods. I’ve gotten to understand the importance of resting your body.

DFG: What would it mean to you if you won the belt on May 8th?
DY: it would mean that I got what I deserve after all the hard work and dedication I put in. After achieving the belt, the sky is the limit.

DFG: What can we expect form Eddie Yagin in 2009.
EY: Success in many ways.

DFG: How many times will you fight this year?
EY: Hopefully, after my fight with Casey, I will get to fight at least 2 more times 2009.

DFG: Any chance we will see The Filipino Phenom in WEC?
EY: Money is power. Whatever my hands, legs and body can achieve for me is where I will go. If that’s WEC, then WEC it is.

DFG: Any prediction for the outcome of the fight?
EY: My prediction at the end of the fight is Casey and I sweating, breathing hard…the ref will be holding up one of hands in the air and the announcer will be saying one of our names.

EY: I wish I could tell the future…if I could, I would make a lot of money….

DFG: Thanks for taking time out Eddie. Any message for the next generation of fighters out there?
EY: Yeah. For the young street fighters, why fight on the street and do bad things that only get you in trouble. Why waste that talent on the streets when you can do it in the ring and get paid for it and make something positive of your life.

DFG: Last words?
EY: I’ve always wanted to reach out and tell young people about my experiences and that if you truly believe in your heart and soul that your talent could bring you to unimaginable heights, then don’t ever give up. All of the discouragement and obstacles in life will either make you or break you, but you should never give up if you believe.

Eddie “The Filipino Yagin” will be facing Casey Olson for the PFC Featherweight Championship in Lemoore, CA on May 8th.