Alex Berrios talks about his upcoming fight with Travis Lerchen at the Friday Night Fights season opener

Alex Berrios will be taking on Travis Lerchen on January 20th in New York at Friday Night Fights Muay Thai season opener. The Tampa Muay Thai fighter will be taking on Travis Lerchen in the night’s main event. Berrios is a highly skilled technical fighter and will be looking to rebound from his loss to Joseph Valtellini this past September. Muay Thai Authority caught up with Berrios, who was kind enough to answer a few questions about his upcoming fight.

MTA: You were supposed to fight Ben Case in the first full rules event in NY, but things got switched around and now you are fighting Travis Lerchen and it isn't full rules. What were your thoughts regarding the opponent change and not fighting full rules now?

Alex: It was kind of disappointing to switch away from full rules, but not a big deal. Nor was the opponent change a big deal. The bigger concern was the weight change, but lucky for me, that wasn't a problem. Now instead of feeding for weight loss/performance, I can focus my nutrition purely on training/fight performance. Different approaches. I will ask Justin, to keep me in mind for that debut of full rules in his event.

I want to say that I'm relieved Travis could agree to the fight on pretty short notice. I definitely was not myself my last fight and hope to show in this fight that my last performance was an exception and temporary setback.

MTA: Do you prefer to fight in the light heavyweight division?

Alex: I prefer to fight 170-175. This will be my heaviest fight weight.

MTA: How much does your game plan change with the fact that there are no elbows to the head anymore?

Alex: No elbows to the head, isn't a big game changer. I don't think it's wise to invest a whole strategy on just a narrow dimension. It mainly means I won't have to worry (as much) about taking an elbow while in the clinch.

MTA: Like most fighters you have a regular job, how difficult is it to manage this and properly being able to train for your fights?

Alex: It takes more discipline and drive. It is a balancing act and sacrifice to accommodate any fight training schedule. My main feeling of accomplishment isn't the fight itself, it is the mountains of work day in and day out to prepare for it.

MTA: You said you want to show that your last performance against Joseph Valtellini was an exception. How do you plan on doing that?

Alex: I plan on using some kicks, punches, and knees at the right time and place. haha. Kidding. I will be a lot less careless.

MTA: Are there any other plans lined up for you after this fight or will you have to wait and see what happens after this fight?

Alex: I live day by day. No solid plans. Hope to be a gym rat training for fights in 2012. I'm thinking of playing another sport between fights. You'll laugh. Baseball! I can't help it, I grew up playing ball.

MTA: Any words for your supporters?

Alex: Thanks to all muay Thai supporters. Without you, I wouldn't have the opportunity to do what I love.