Marcelo Rojo eager to prove he’s more than just a striker at ‘Combate Clasico’

Fearsome Argentinean striker Marcelo Rojo stormed into the Combate America’s “La Jaula” in his promotional debut at Combate Americas 12 against Ivan Flores, knocking him out in the very first round inside Auditorio Fausto Gutierrez Moreno in Tijuana, Mexico, this past March.

Now, “Pitbull” will look to do the same in his follow-up performance with the Latino-based organization as he takes part in the company’s “Combate Clasico” event on Thurs., July 27, 2017, in Miami, Florida, part of a week-long sports extravaganza that will culminate with the “El Clasico” futbol game between powerhouses Barcelona FC and Real Madrid on Sat., July 29, 2017 (more on that here).

With an impressive win under his belt under Combate Americas banner, Rojo goes into his fight against Billy Molina relaxed and ready to put on another show, and get paid for punching people in the face.

“The next fight is always the most important. I don’t go in there with pressure, I just go in there to do my job, which is to get paid to punch people in the face, and I love it,” said Rojo with a laugh in an exclusive interview with MMAmania.com.

With only two professional fights to his record, Molina doesn’t have a whole lot of tape on file to study. And for Rojo, that won’t be an issue, as he says he will make do with what he has in front of him. That said, he won’t make the mistake of underestimating his seemingly less-experienced opponent.

“I never underestimate my opponent. Each one is different and each one requires specific training in camp,” said Rojo. “Molina is taller than me with a longer reach. That said, I will do my thing, my job, and that’s to get the win and put on a show to the people of Miami,” he added.

“I will always look for the knockout win,” said Rojo, who has won three straight and prefers to let the action play out on the feet. “But, if the fight goes to the ground, I won’t stall and I will look for the finish. I want to show the combat sports world that I’m not only a striker, but to prove that my wrestling and jiu-jitsu have evolved,” added the Argentinean.

“At Entram Gym, our coaches’ philosophy is: ‘Work hard.’ And that will reflect on July 27. I will go in to show that all of my sacrifices have paid off.”

When asked about his time thus far fighting for Combate Americas, the former Ultimate Fighter (TUF) contestant had nothing but good things to say, and insists there is no reason to look elsewhere.

“With respects to Combate, the organization has treated me well and I have felt very comfortable fighting for them. They treat their fighters very well,” added Rojo. “I know that people want to see me fight and people want a show.”

And a show is exactly what fight fans will get when “The Pitbull” steps into “La Jaula” for his sophomore effort this Thursday in Miami, which can now be seen on ESPN 3.

For much more on Combate Americas click here.