Leroy “Texas Made” Montoya is a Mexican-American mixed martial artist, fighting out of BooJitsu MMA in New Braunfels, Texas. He is a 26-year-old flyweight working his way up the ladder in the local amateur promotions, and holds a record of 3-1 with two finishes under his belt.
His first MMA fight was held at Belts of Honorious 3 on November 23rd, 2013, and Leroy won by way of knockout in the first round. “Texas Made” returned three months later at BOH 4, picking up a first round submission win. His third fight went the distance, resulting in a unanimous decision victory for Montoya at Legacy Amateur Series 17 in July of 2014.
For the past eight years, Leroy has worked as an Order Selector at HEB San Marcos Warehouse RSC, a local advertising agency. When he’s not working, training, or spending time with his wife and three children, Montoya stays pretty active on social media. He has a loyal fanbase which he affectionately dubs “Team Montoya”.
LWOS: First of all Leroy, thank you for taking the time to speak with us, it’s much appreciated! Let’s start with your background. Have you always lived in San Marcos? Do you have any siblings or other close relatives?
Leroy Montoya: I was born and raised in San Marcos, but now I’m living and training in New Braunfels, Texas. Yes I have three brothers and two sisters.
LWOS: Any hobbies or fun things to do around town as a kid?
LM: When I was a kid I would always play football, and I was always playing in flag football leagues.
LWOS: Did you participate in any extracurricular activities in school, like band or R.O.T.C.?
LM: I was in R.O.T.C.
LWOS: What kind of sports did you play back then?
LM: In school I was in football and track. I was running back and corner in football, and ran the 100, 200, and 400 meter in track.
LWOS: When did you first decide to start training for MMA, and what influenced that decision? How did you get started?
LM: I first started MMA a little over three years ago. I had two MMA fighter friends, Cody Medrano and Kevin Morin, that would tell me how intense training was. I was interested in trying it out so I took them up on their invite and went to train with them. That day I was hooked and I have never stopped.
LWOS: Can you tell us about BooJitsu MMA and the team you train with over there?
LM: BooJitsu MMA is a newly opened gym owned by pro fighter and head coach Billy “BooJitsu” Buch. I train with amateur fighters like Joe Maupin (185 lbs), flyweights Corey Lewellyn and Albert Leija, Katherine Roy (115 lbs), and a few others.
LWOS: What would you say your strengths are in the cage, and which aspects of MMA do you think you need to improve in?
LM: I can honestly say Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is where my strength is. I have been working a lot on my striking and wrestling to be a better overall fighter.
LWOS: You won three fights in a row and earned your first shot at a championship belt, but unfortunately that fight didn’t go your way. After watching the tape, where do you think things went wrong and what have you learned from your first and only loss?
LM: I have yet to watch the tape on my last fight but I know what I did wrong. I went into that fight thinking it was already won. I didn’t train like I should have and I paid for it. And that won’t happen again. I have learned from my mistake and will train my butt off every training camp.
LWOS: I’m sure every fighter has done that at some point in their career. Are you determined to have a rematch to even the score, or will you just move on and accept whatever fight comes your way?
LM: I would love a rematch! But that won’t happen until I go pro since he has turned pro. I plan on going pro next year, but I want to get a few more amateur fights under my belt before then. I won’t make the same mistake again. For now I am focused on my November 14th fight.
LWOS: Have you considered trying out for The Ultimate Fighter next time they do a season with flyweights?
LM: I would for sure!
LWOS: What is your “walk around” weight? Is it difficult to cut to 125 lbs?
LM: My walk around weight is around 150-155. It’s not a difficult cut at all. I just love eating junk food, that’s my weakness (laughs).
LWOS: What do you think about the UFC flyweight division and the champion Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson? Is there anybody there that you would like to train with or fight someday?
LM: Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson is a BEAST! He’s always improving every fight. I would love to train at Jackson’s MMA in New Mexico and Team Alpha Male in California.
LWOS: Excellent gyms. What kind of music do you listen to? Is there anything that gets you pumped up to workout and train?
LM: I listen to everything. Before working out or training I jam out to Rob Bailey & The Hustle Standard. My walk out song “BEAST” is from their album.
LWOS: Apparently you’re also a gamer in your free time. X-Box or Playstation? What are you playing now and what is your favorite game of all time?
LM: X-Box One! I am currently playing Call Of Duty: Advanced Warfare. My favorite game of all time has to be Contra.
LWOS: Contra is a classic! How do your days usually play out? Do you have a strict schedule that you try to stick to?
LM: I wake up around 5:30 a.m. and wake my kids up so they can get ready and catch the bus. While waiting on them I get ready for work, then make their lunches for school. I work for eight to ten hours, then head home to relax with the family until training starts at 7 p.m. Training lasts around one-and-a-half to two hours. Then I head home to make sure the kids get showered and go to sleep by 9 p.m.
LWOS: Who are your favorite fighters to watch? Is there anyone who you always tune in for?
LM: My favorite fighters to watch have to be Jessica Eye, Renan Barao, Jose Aldo, and Donald Cerrone.
LWOS: Great fighters! Who were your role models or inspirations growing up, sports related or otherwise? What about now?
LM: Growing up I loved playing football, and my favorite team is the Tennessee Titans. Eddie George played running back, the same position I was. I loved watching him play. Now it’s Jose Aldo. He came up from nothing, to living in the gym and training his butt off everyday, to now being one of the most dominant UFC champions.
LWOS: Jose is definitely one of the best in the world. Well, that’s all the questions we have for you Leroy. Thanks again for the interview, and best of luck to you in your career and in life!
You can find Leroy on Facebook and watch his fights on YouTube! Follow him on Twitter @TxMadeMMA.
