King of the Cage - Krazy Mike's Corner - Interview with Officer Ernie Perea

The views and opinions in this write up are those of Krazy Mike

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KOTC Fighter and Law Enforcement Officer Ernie Perea Interview
May 6, 2006

KM: Can you tell us when you will be fighting next?
EP: I am competing on the June 9th KOTC event at Soboba Casino. I am fighting an East Coast guy, "Sambo Blankenship". I was told he has a wrestling background, so it should be a good match.

KM: You won your last fight and then retired from fighting, why are you now coming out of retirement?
EP: I am competing again, because I want to give back to my church. My family and I have gone through our share of tragedies the last year or so. My pastors were there for my whole family. I'm donating a large percent of my fight purse. In fact I got KOTC and G.C. involved and they are also making a VERY generous donation. I just wanted to do something for our church and give back.

KM: You seem to have several fans, how does that inspire you when you are in the cage?
EP: Can't be anything but inspired as a competitor to hear the roar of the crowd. Half of the people who come out to support me are in some type of law enforcement, and the other half is family. KOTC has always been a great way for my Law Enforcement buddies to get away from the beat for a few hours, drink some beer, yell, and have a good time. Terry, Ted, and the whole A-Team crew put on a great show.

KM: How many fights do you have in one year?
EP: One a year. I'm very thankful that my supervisors give me the green light to compete once in a while. Get my butt in shape, and blow off some steam. The guys who fight 3-4 times a year, I give them the ut-most respect. It's tough to train for 10 to 15 minutes of fighting.

KM: On an average how much money do you make in for a fight?
EP: KOTC makes it worth it each time out for me to compete. With out them, I would not be able to make the contribution's I am pressing towards. Terry & Ted, take very good care of my fight purse and me.

KM: When did you first start fighting?
EP: I did my first smoker fight around 1997-98 in Long Beach, Ca. Open palm fight, in a warehouse. There are a lot of guys who are still competing, who were there at that warehouse. Not the safest way to start, but none the less, I won by choke & a cool 50 bucks. Wait, did I say smoker? In case my superiors read this. I meant to say my first sanctioned, legal, professionally run fight was in Long Beach. My Bad!!!

KM: When you're not training for a fight, what do you like to do for fun?
EP: I'm always the same guy, who enjoys life. Losing loved ones, my dad (Ernie Perea), my cousin who was like my brother (Joseph Wyatt). I get up every morning now, & thank the Lord I am on my feet again. I like to spend relaxing time at home with my wife Lorraine, my daughters Madi, Shelbie, and Eliza. Because of my hectic work and training schedule, I try and have fun with whatever I'm doing. Even if it means harassing you once in a while KrazyMike! Don't you have some illegal tint on your windows???

KM: Who is your favorite fighter?
EP: Dan Henderson is the man! He always puts on a great show for the fans. He is also a great guy in the every day world. I have never seen this man back up in a fight. "Did you hear that Liddell!"

KM: I would like to thank you on behalf of kingofthecage.com and Krazy Mike's Korner for taking the time to do this interview and wish you luck in your fight on June 9, 2006. In closing would you like to add anything?
EP: First and foremost I want to thank the Lord for blessing my family and me. KOTC's Sean Ramage and Tyson Johnson for helping me get the word out of my upcoming fight. My sponsors: AmeriCore Concrete Cutting in Yucaipa, Ca., Mike Lopez @ Peach Tree Home Loans 702-461-5108, Law Office of Jason Walsh, Olivia's Mexican Restaurant in Riverside, Ca., Hull & Sons Roofing 800-99-ROOFING, longliveyou.com , & of course krazymike@kingofthecage.com for hooking me up with my 5 seconds of fame so I can impress my cousins.