Brad Tavares: Steadfast In Shifting Tides
Brad Tavares: Steadfast In Shifting Tides
UFC veteran Brad Tavares has grown strong and ready for a run at title contention in the middleweight division.
The dog days of summer in the Midwest bring a special type of discomfort, and August of 2013 was true to form.
A weeklong heatwave stung the city of Indianapolis -- the type in which a brief backdrop of gray skies and a few buckets of cool rain turn out to be both blessing and curse due to the swelter of humidity soon to follow. While those are the type of conditions that agitate rush-hour grinders and make soccer moms threaten violence upon an unruly pack of cub scouts in the back of a Villager, it just so happens to be an ideal setting for the final few pounds of a weight cut.
Making my way into the Northside Hilton, a squad of what had to be athletes (shoulder hunches and gaits being the tell) strolled through the opposite side of the parking lot. Of the crew, one man stood out more than the rest as he made the walk, fully decked out head to toe in sweats.
The swells of heat cooked off the blacktop, putting a real-life filter on my vision, and those radiating waves brought me curiously close to wondering if my eyes were deceiving me -- or even worse -- that heat stroke was setting in.
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/SavageAtticus/status/901204616578256896" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
My son, Atticus, who was 5 years old at the time and who had tagged along because he wanted to see what daddy did for a living up close -- that and the fact that he's been my shotgun sidekick since birth -- stood looking at the men as they made their way toward the front entrance. Just as the crew passed through, a sweat-soaked fighter reached down and gave Atticus' little hand a fist bump.
"Heyyyyaaa... what up little man?" the fighter asked.
Atticus smiled and said, "I like your shoes."
The fighter laughed for a second before moving on. This is how Brad Tavares and the beast known to the world as "Savage" first met.
Less than an hour later, the two sat on a couch in the lobby playing Nintendo DS games in the air conditioning while fight week happenings unfolded all around. A now-notorious phone smashing story by then-UFC heavyweight Matt Mitrione had just happened, soon followed by a convo with future deep-dive project partner Carlos Condit just out of public view. Fight week can bring things at a rapid pace, but my little man was covered as he sat there with Tavares playing games. It soon became difficult to tell who was minding whom.
The Hawaiian middleweight and I had scheduled a sit-down interview to talk shop as his trip to Indianapolis brought him to town amid the hottest streak of his young career. After experiencing mixed results on The Ultimate Fighter, Tavares had hit the biggest stage in MMA with force and there was no slowdown in sight.
Tavares had won all but one of his first six showings inside the Octagon, and he was looking to make Robert "Bubba" McDaniel his fourth consecutive victim. And while fighting was the pressing topic, watching Tavares' natural ease in the presence of Sav's youthful exuberance showed a telling factor at play as well.
Aug 28, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Brad Tavares knocks down Bubba McDaniel during UFC Fight Night 27 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
For a 25-year-old kid, making his name and his own bones in the world of professional sports is something special, and at that time Tavares was still very much that… a kid. Granted, the rangy striker possessed layout, one-shot power in his hands, feet, and knees, but he was also still green enough to the process to be easy and comfortable in the chaos of it all.
Throw in some natural laid-back island chill, and you have the perfect picture for his composure as we sat and kicked conversation well beyond the time constraints of the interview.
Once the hunger pangs started to kick up and Tavares knew he had to keep things moving in order to keep his program running up until hitting the scale, we parted ways, but not before a few more fist-bumps were exchanged between big and little. With the day's interviews wrapped and Rainbow Road conquered, I was able to drive home seeing a different type of glow on my perpetually animated son's face.
At first glance, one would think it was that he'd met a UFC fighter and was in awe of that being the case, but this just wasn't so. Atticus was elated to have made such a cool friend, and I knew it was the start, not just a one-off moment between the two.
****
"Bro... Sav laid the wood on that kid. F*ck yeah he did."
It's been four years and change from the meeting in Indianapolis, and everything has progressed in kind. Young Atticus has gone on to cement the early foundation of an outstanding run in the athletic realm, and Tavares has evolved from being a scrappy Hawaiian kid with a solid technical base to knocking on the door of much bigger things in his career.
My son and the surging middleweight have kept in touch throughout, and after several moments of breaking down some football footage, the focus shifts to what Tavares has on the road ahead.
He ran that aforementioned winning streak five deep before suffering a setback against elite-tier powerhouse Yoel Romero at UFC on Fox 11 in April 2014. And while the loss to Romero stunted Tavares' momentum, losses in two of his next three showings to Tim Boetsch and Robert Whittaker would push that trend even further.
Aug 16, 2014; Bangor, ME, USA; Tim Boetsch (red gloves) fights Brad Tavares (blue gloves) during a middleweight bout in UFC Fight Night 47 at Cross Insurance Center. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Suddenly Tavares found himself caught on the fringes of limbo in the fight game. The sheen of up-and-coming prospect had worn off, and without evidence of future contention on the table, the threat to fade out in the unforgiving game became very real.
Therefore, a choice was made to push further in all forms, and the results have unfolded in the form of back-to-back victories inside the Octagon over Caio Magalhães last September and Elias Theodorou in July. Tavares not only found his footing in the heat of battle, but he also found a way to showcase new weapons in his game in the process.
"Going into the Yoel Romero fight, I was in a totally different place than I am now," Tavares told FloCombat. "I was on this big winning streak, but I hadn't even really thought about it. Talking to people and the media made it real to me [that] I was on this streak, and then it kind of became something else. That only added extra pressure that I shouldn't have been worried about. Going into that fight, my mindset was different, and losing that fight sparked a fire.
"When I came back to fight Boetsch, I had a different type of motivation in me. I was dominating that fight, beating him up everywhere and just got caught. Fast forward two years later and here I am. Everything is good on all fronts physically, mentally and everything in between. I'm happy, man. I'm happy to be where I am and excited to push toward that ultimate goal of becoming the champion."
Sep 10, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Brad Tavares (red gloves) competes against Caio Magalhaes (blue gloves) during UFC 203 at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
One of the major components of his recent developments has been access to the UFC's new Performance Institute. Tavares has been living in and fighting out of Las Vegas since his arrival to the UFC back in 2010 and has spent the lion's share of that time training out of the renowned Xtreme Couture gym.
Yet, with the UFC adding a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility in the city he calls home, Tavares now has the ability to expand his athletic development under the watchful eye of experts in all facets. From physical wellness to diet and nutrition, Tavares is taking advantage of it all.
"The place is amazing," Tavares said. "They have an expert staff who really make you feel they are here for you. Having access to everything this place provides is awesome to have during training camp. There is a room where the oxygen level is adjusted to simulate training at elevation, hyperbaric chambers, and hot and cold baths. They have different types of saunas and staff to help with physical therapy and nutrition... really anything you could ever need.
"I'm one of the few Las Vegas-based fighters so I'm probably here more than most. Francis [Ngannou] is here, and a few other guys as well, so we take advantage of the facilities, but there are always a bunch of guys coming in and out. It's up to you to facilitate training partners and anything like that, but they are super cool about who you bring in to work with you."
One of the largest benefits Tavares sees the new facility bringing to the game is the potential for a resurgence in interest to call the fight capital of the world home. "Sin City" was bumping on all measures when Tavares first relocated from the islands as high-profile veterans and prospects alike packed gyms all across the city. But the unpredictable tides of fortune inside the cage and struggles to find the required discipline it takes to live in the land of the vice eventually drove the majority of fighters out of town.
Tavares has hope the big names and future stars will give Las Vegas another run, because the more talent pooled in one location means everyone putting in work can improve.
"The best part is all of these things are 100 percent free and really puts the UFC in line with what other large sports organizations offer their athletes," Tavares said. "My hope is it will attract more fighters to Las Vegas like it was when I first came to train here. The more options we have, the better we can all be, and I really hope we can build it up again."
Jan 3, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Nate Marquardt (blue gloves) and Brad Tavares (red Gloves) in their middleweight bout at UFC 182 at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
And while Las Vegas may be his home away from home, it's also the place he'll fight Thales Leites on Oct. 7 at UFC 216. Tavares spent years traveling the world to scrap it out with fighters on their native soil or on their home turf, and he feels blessed he'll have the opportunity to do work in front of his friends and family who can make the trek from Hawaii.
"I do have some family and fans here, but the majority of them are from and in Hawaii," Tavares said. "It makes it hard when I'm fighting in all corners of the world for my family and friends to get out there and watch me. Hawaii is far from everything, and it costs a lot of money to travel anywhere. Las Vegas is different because it's considered the ninth island and it's actually very affordable to come here from Hawaii.
"There are a lot of local people in Hawaii who now live here or visit often, so fighting here is huge for me. I love for everyone I care about to get the entire experience when I fight. Normally they have to wake up at crazy hours and watch it at home. Fighting in Las Vegas allows me to let them see everything that goes into a UFC fight for me."
With a two-fight buffer at his back, Tavares will step in to face the former middleweight title challenger in what will be a crucial fight in the divisional picture. The Brazilian grappling ace Leites has already been to the top of the mountain and is determined to get back, while Tavares will be looking to regain his spot in the top 15 order of things.
Yet, while the footrace to the top is a familiar scene for both men, Tavares also believes he's seen everything Leites will bring to the cage at UFC 216.
"[Leites] has been around for a long time and defeated a lot of good fighters," Tavares said. "He faced Anderson Silva for the belt when Anderson was at the top of this game so that says a lot about what Leites brings to the table. That said, I feel I've faced this type of guy before. In my last fight against Elias Theodorou, even though he's way more awkward, I knew he wouldn't want to strike with me. I knew he'd throw a bunch of stuff, but once I started landing he'd start to grab me and hold me. And that's exactly what happened.
"I'm not a person people want to play the striking game with for all too long. I know Thales has improved in that area, but I don't think it's something he'll want to hang out and do for very long."
Although wins and losses ultimately become the measure of success for a fighter competing in the unforgiving and chaotic game, the overall journey is truly what matters. Tavares knows he's grown in all the right areas and made adjustments under fire when necessary. Some of those tweaks have come at the tail end of tough lessons, but all things accumulate to the greater education with the right mindset applied.
In addition to his personal growth, he's also been a part of and witnessed the respect and recognition his Hawaiian brethren in the game have earned. The Hawaiian islands have a proud warrior tradition, and Tavares keeps this close to his heart every step of the way. Each time out, he's fighting for his people while fighting for himself, and that's the true mark of pride in life and sport.
Jan 2, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Nate Marquardt during the weigh in for his middleweight bout against Brad Tavares (not pictured) at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
"I came into the UFC at a very young age, and now I'm one of the veterans," Tavares said. "I'm evolving and getting better with my skills, but I've also grown up a lot because of this game as well. I'm constantly evolving, and you could see those things in my last fight. I broke out a lot of wrestling techniques, and I don't think people realized I had those in my arsenal.
"When you are growing up and coming up in Hawaii, you get to see just how much talent is there, and just as I grow and learn as a fighter they are doing the same. The world is getting to see it now, and there are still a bunch more kids that are yet to make it to the UFC that are coming up strong.
"I'm so happy all of these Hawaii boys are getting some recognition, and I'm so happy the UFC has another Hawaiian champion in (featherweight) Max Holloway. I'm super stoked for him, and all of us are just trying to prove Hawaiian fighters are on the map. There's more than just the legend BJ Penn in Hawaii, and now the world is seeing that. I love it."
***
The phone call eventually winded down and the interview came to an end, but another 20 minutes of conversation unfolded without capturing quotes or any type of profile in mind. Tavares asked more questions about Atticus' development as an athlete and sent well wishes for his upcoming football and AAU league basketball games on the weekend.
Tavares made sure to pass along his thoughts about how proud he is of his little buddy for the 6:30 AM work hustle the kid puts in on the regular. "Work ethic like that will carry him a long way, Duane," Tavares said. "That's what it takes, and he has it already."
Tavares also commented on the video games once played and shared a few laughs about how things have come to be in our mutual worlds. As he talked more about the journey, the good vibes in his voice carried through the phone to assure me that the man may have gained veteran status, but the passion he still carries is the same youthful swagger that was witnessed when he first hit the big stage several years back.
It's not work when you love what you do, and Tavares loves fighting. In fact, he's never loved it more.
Don't miss breaking news, feature stories, event updates, and more. Sign up for the FloCombat mailing list today.
A weeklong heatwave stung the city of Indianapolis -- the type in which a brief backdrop of gray skies and a few buckets of cool rain turn out to be both blessing and curse due to the swelter of humidity soon to follow. While those are the type of conditions that agitate rush-hour grinders and make soccer moms threaten violence upon an unruly pack of cub scouts in the back of a Villager, it just so happens to be an ideal setting for the final few pounds of a weight cut.
Making my way into the Northside Hilton, a squad of what had to be athletes (shoulder hunches and gaits being the tell) strolled through the opposite side of the parking lot. Of the crew, one man stood out more than the rest as he made the walk, fully decked out head to toe in sweats.
The swells of heat cooked off the blacktop, putting a real-life filter on my vision, and those radiating waves brought me curiously close to wondering if my eyes were deceiving me -- or even worse -- that heat stroke was setting in.
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/SavageAtticus/status/901204616578256896" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
My son, Atticus, who was 5 years old at the time and who had tagged along because he wanted to see what daddy did for a living up close -- that and the fact that he's been my shotgun sidekick since birth -- stood looking at the men as they made their way toward the front entrance. Just as the crew passed through, a sweat-soaked fighter reached down and gave Atticus' little hand a fist bump.
"Heyyyyaaa... what up little man?" the fighter asked.
Atticus smiled and said, "I like your shoes."
The fighter laughed for a second before moving on. This is how Brad Tavares and the beast known to the world as "Savage" first met.
Less than an hour later, the two sat on a couch in the lobby playing Nintendo DS games in the air conditioning while fight week happenings unfolded all around. A now-notorious phone smashing story by then-UFC heavyweight Matt Mitrione had just happened, soon followed by a convo with future deep-dive project partner Carlos Condit just out of public view. Fight week can bring things at a rapid pace, but my little man was covered as he sat there with Tavares playing games. It soon became difficult to tell who was minding whom.
The Hawaiian middleweight and I had scheduled a sit-down interview to talk shop as his trip to Indianapolis brought him to town amid the hottest streak of his young career. After experiencing mixed results on The Ultimate Fighter, Tavares had hit the biggest stage in MMA with force and there was no slowdown in sight.
Tavares had won all but one of his first six showings inside the Octagon, and he was looking to make Robert "Bubba" McDaniel his fourth consecutive victim. And while fighting was the pressing topic, watching Tavares' natural ease in the presence of Sav's youthful exuberance showed a telling factor at play as well.
Aug 28, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Brad Tavares knocks down Bubba McDaniel during UFC Fight Night 27 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
For a 25-year-old kid, making his name and his own bones in the world of professional sports is something special, and at that time Tavares was still very much that… a kid. Granted, the rangy striker possessed layout, one-shot power in his hands, feet, and knees, but he was also still green enough to the process to be easy and comfortable in the chaos of it all.
Throw in some natural laid-back island chill, and you have the perfect picture for his composure as we sat and kicked conversation well beyond the time constraints of the interview.
Once the hunger pangs started to kick up and Tavares knew he had to keep things moving in order to keep his program running up until hitting the scale, we parted ways, but not before a few more fist-bumps were exchanged between big and little. With the day's interviews wrapped and Rainbow Road conquered, I was able to drive home seeing a different type of glow on my perpetually animated son's face.
At first glance, one would think it was that he'd met a UFC fighter and was in awe of that being the case, but this just wasn't so. Atticus was elated to have made such a cool friend, and I knew it was the start, not just a one-off moment between the two.
****
"Bro... Sav laid the wood on that kid. F*ck yeah he did."
It's been four years and change from the meeting in Indianapolis, and everything has progressed in kind. Young Atticus has gone on to cement the early foundation of an outstanding run in the athletic realm, and Tavares has evolved from being a scrappy Hawaiian kid with a solid technical base to knocking on the door of much bigger things in his career.
My son and the surging middleweight have kept in touch throughout, and after several moments of breaking down some football footage, the focus shifts to what Tavares has on the road ahead.
He ran that aforementioned winning streak five deep before suffering a setback against elite-tier powerhouse Yoel Romero at UFC on Fox 11 in April 2014. And while the loss to Romero stunted Tavares' momentum, losses in two of his next three showings to Tim Boetsch and Robert Whittaker would push that trend even further.
Aug 16, 2014; Bangor, ME, USA; Tim Boetsch (red gloves) fights Brad Tavares (blue gloves) during a middleweight bout in UFC Fight Night 47 at Cross Insurance Center. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Suddenly Tavares found himself caught on the fringes of limbo in the fight game. The sheen of up-and-coming prospect had worn off, and without evidence of future contention on the table, the threat to fade out in the unforgiving game became very real.
Therefore, a choice was made to push further in all forms, and the results have unfolded in the form of back-to-back victories inside the Octagon over Caio Magalhães last September and Elias Theodorou in July. Tavares not only found his footing in the heat of battle, but he also found a way to showcase new weapons in his game in the process.
"Going into the Yoel Romero fight, I was in a totally different place than I am now," Tavares told FloCombat. "I was on this big winning streak, but I hadn't even really thought about it. Talking to people and the media made it real to me [that] I was on this streak, and then it kind of became something else. That only added extra pressure that I shouldn't have been worried about. Going into that fight, my mindset was different, and losing that fight sparked a fire.
"When I came back to fight Boetsch, I had a different type of motivation in me. I was dominating that fight, beating him up everywhere and just got caught. Fast forward two years later and here I am. Everything is good on all fronts physically, mentally and everything in between. I'm happy, man. I'm happy to be where I am and excited to push toward that ultimate goal of becoming the champion."
Sep 10, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Brad Tavares (red gloves) competes against Caio Magalhaes (blue gloves) during UFC 203 at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
One of the major components of his recent developments has been access to the UFC's new Performance Institute. Tavares has been living in and fighting out of Las Vegas since his arrival to the UFC back in 2010 and has spent the lion's share of that time training out of the renowned Xtreme Couture gym.
Yet, with the UFC adding a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility in the city he calls home, Tavares now has the ability to expand his athletic development under the watchful eye of experts in all facets. From physical wellness to diet and nutrition, Tavares is taking advantage of it all.
"The place is amazing," Tavares said. "They have an expert staff who really make you feel they are here for you. Having access to everything this place provides is awesome to have during training camp. There is a room where the oxygen level is adjusted to simulate training at elevation, hyperbaric chambers, and hot and cold baths. They have different types of saunas and staff to help with physical therapy and nutrition... really anything you could ever need.
"I'm one of the few Las Vegas-based fighters so I'm probably here more than most. Francis [Ngannou] is here, and a few other guys as well, so we take advantage of the facilities, but there are always a bunch of guys coming in and out. It's up to you to facilitate training partners and anything like that, but they are super cool about who you bring in to work with you."
One of the largest benefits Tavares sees the new facility bringing to the game is the potential for a resurgence in interest to call the fight capital of the world home. "Sin City" was bumping on all measures when Tavares first relocated from the islands as high-profile veterans and prospects alike packed gyms all across the city. But the unpredictable tides of fortune inside the cage and struggles to find the required discipline it takes to live in the land of the vice eventually drove the majority of fighters out of town.
Tavares has hope the big names and future stars will give Las Vegas another run, because the more talent pooled in one location means everyone putting in work can improve.
"The best part is all of these things are 100 percent free and really puts the UFC in line with what other large sports organizations offer their athletes," Tavares said. "My hope is it will attract more fighters to Las Vegas like it was when I first came to train here. The more options we have, the better we can all be, and I really hope we can build it up again."
Jan 3, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Nate Marquardt (blue gloves) and Brad Tavares (red Gloves) in their middleweight bout at UFC 182 at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
And while Las Vegas may be his home away from home, it's also the place he'll fight Thales Leites on Oct. 7 at UFC 216. Tavares spent years traveling the world to scrap it out with fighters on their native soil or on their home turf, and he feels blessed he'll have the opportunity to do work in front of his friends and family who can make the trek from Hawaii.
"I do have some family and fans here, but the majority of them are from and in Hawaii," Tavares said. "It makes it hard when I'm fighting in all corners of the world for my family and friends to get out there and watch me. Hawaii is far from everything, and it costs a lot of money to travel anywhere. Las Vegas is different because it's considered the ninth island and it's actually very affordable to come here from Hawaii.
"There are a lot of local people in Hawaii who now live here or visit often, so fighting here is huge for me. I love for everyone I care about to get the entire experience when I fight. Normally they have to wake up at crazy hours and watch it at home. Fighting in Las Vegas allows me to let them see everything that goes into a UFC fight for me."
With a two-fight buffer at his back, Tavares will step in to face the former middleweight title challenger in what will be a crucial fight in the divisional picture. The Brazilian grappling ace Leites has already been to the top of the mountain and is determined to get back, while Tavares will be looking to regain his spot in the top 15 order of things.
Yet, while the footrace to the top is a familiar scene for both men, Tavares also believes he's seen everything Leites will bring to the cage at UFC 216.
"[Leites] has been around for a long time and defeated a lot of good fighters," Tavares said. "He faced Anderson Silva for the belt when Anderson was at the top of this game so that says a lot about what Leites brings to the table. That said, I feel I've faced this type of guy before. In my last fight against Elias Theodorou, even though he's way more awkward, I knew he wouldn't want to strike with me. I knew he'd throw a bunch of stuff, but once I started landing he'd start to grab me and hold me. And that's exactly what happened.
"I'm not a person people want to play the striking game with for all too long. I know Thales has improved in that area, but I don't think it's something he'll want to hang out and do for very long."
Although wins and losses ultimately become the measure of success for a fighter competing in the unforgiving and chaotic game, the overall journey is truly what matters. Tavares knows he's grown in all the right areas and made adjustments under fire when necessary. Some of those tweaks have come at the tail end of tough lessons, but all things accumulate to the greater education with the right mindset applied.
In addition to his personal growth, he's also been a part of and witnessed the respect and recognition his Hawaiian brethren in the game have earned. The Hawaiian islands have a proud warrior tradition, and Tavares keeps this close to his heart every step of the way. Each time out, he's fighting for his people while fighting for himself, and that's the true mark of pride in life and sport.
Jan 2, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Nate Marquardt during the weigh in for his middleweight bout against Brad Tavares (not pictured) at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
"I came into the UFC at a very young age, and now I'm one of the veterans," Tavares said. "I'm evolving and getting better with my skills, but I've also grown up a lot because of this game as well. I'm constantly evolving, and you could see those things in my last fight. I broke out a lot of wrestling techniques, and I don't think people realized I had those in my arsenal.
"When you are growing up and coming up in Hawaii, you get to see just how much talent is there, and just as I grow and learn as a fighter they are doing the same. The world is getting to see it now, and there are still a bunch more kids that are yet to make it to the UFC that are coming up strong.
"I'm so happy all of these Hawaii boys are getting some recognition, and I'm so happy the UFC has another Hawaiian champion in (featherweight) Max Holloway. I'm super stoked for him, and all of us are just trying to prove Hawaiian fighters are on the map. There's more than just the legend BJ Penn in Hawaii, and now the world is seeing that. I love it."
***
The phone call eventually winded down and the interview came to an end, but another 20 minutes of conversation unfolded without capturing quotes or any type of profile in mind. Tavares asked more questions about Atticus' development as an athlete and sent well wishes for his upcoming football and AAU league basketball games on the weekend.
Tavares made sure to pass along his thoughts about how proud he is of his little buddy for the 6:30 AM work hustle the kid puts in on the regular. "Work ethic like that will carry him a long way, Duane," Tavares said. "That's what it takes, and he has it already."
Tavares also commented on the video games once played and shared a few laughs about how things have come to be in our mutual worlds. As he talked more about the journey, the good vibes in his voice carried through the phone to assure me that the man may have gained veteran status, but the passion he still carries is the same youthful swagger that was witnessed when he first hit the big stage several years back.
It's not work when you love what you do, and Tavares loves fighting. In fact, he's never loved it more.
Sign Up For The FloCombat Newsletter
Don't miss breaking news, feature stories, event updates, and more. Sign up for the FloCombat mailing list today.