Reggie Merriweather looks to shine on AXS TV

Tonight in Lincoln, Rhode Island, Reggie Merriweather will step foot in front of millions of people as he steps in as a last minute replacement. Just one week ago Merriweather received what could only be considered the biggest call of his life. On the other end of the line was his manager letting him know that he has the opportunity to fight on AXS TV.

Standing across from him tonight in the co-main event at CES MMA XXVIII is hometown favorite and Cranston, Rhode Island native, Luis Felix (12-8). Originally, Rich Patishnock (6-2) was set to face Felix but suffered an injury just over a week ago that forced him to withdraw from the bout. Officials with the organization reached out to Merriweather, who had this to say, “‘Yes.’ No hesitation.”

“Opportunities like this don’t come around very often, and I couldn’t be happier to take advantage of it Friday,” stated Merriweather. Winning four of his last fights including a two-fight winning streak, Merriweather is looking to shine in the national spotlight.

Dan Bonnell of Mass-MMA sat down with Merriweather at the weigh-ins yesterday and asked him the following:

Dan Bonnel: (On nerves being a factor fighting on national television):
Reggie Merriweather: “A little bit. But once the bell rings, and someone gets hit the nerves go away pretty easily.”

DB: (On why he took the fight on short notice):
RM: “I just really wanted a fight, you know? I just wanted to do things I did back when I was an amateur. When I was an amateur, I would take like 10 to 20 fights in a year. I just want to stay busy. Every fight is a learning experience either about me or myself, what I need to work, what I need to improve. They’re all learning experiences.”

DB: (On how he got started in MMA):
RM: “I got into it from a boxing gym, actually. I was actually just going to box, but there were no boxers, and there were a whole bunch of MMA guys so I figured I’d try it out. The first day, I got beat up. I wanted to give it another try. I had my first fight and went on from there.”

DB: (On his thoughts on his opponent and his approach to the fight):
RM: “Pretty good, well-rounded fighter. Good standup, good wrestling. A little bit of everything. I take it to people. Some people say I just do what I can to win. Take it to them.”

You can catch Reggie Merriweather in action live on AXS TV beginning at 9PM EST. Depending on your location and cable provider channels will vary. For the most common channel listings we provided you with a list below:

– AT&T Uverse #1106
– Cincinnati Bell #626
– DirecTV #340
– Dish Network #167
– Verizon #569