Bobby “Bailout” Powers: Following His Own Rules

Bobby “Bailout” Powers has taken almost three years off since he made his professional debut for Legacy in 2012. The bondsman/coach/trainer/motivational speaker hasn’t just been sitting on the couch these past few years, he’s been sharpening his craft and preparing for his return to the cage. Fighting out of College Station, TX, where he coaches and trains at Windy Sport and Fitness, as well as hunting down bail jumpers, will be facing Angel Zamora at Legacy 39. This is both of their second fights, and although small, they can put on a big fight for the fans. I spoke with Mr. Powers to find out where he’s been, and what we can expect from his return.

Mark Carrillo: You made your pro debut against Marcus Dupar back in 2012. Why the long layoff in between fights?

Bobby Powers: Yeah, it has been a long layoff since I’ve been in the cage. After losing my professional debut, I had the opportunity to bond with my younger brother Andrew, who was getting ready for his best years of high school on the wrestling team. I took my focus from being a fighter, and started focusing on being the best older brother/coach/mentor that I could be. And let me tell you, if anyone ever has the opportunity to coach their younger sibling in anything please take advantage of it. Andrew and I are 10 years apart, so I wasn’t around during his younger years, due to Northgate and Hurricane Harry’s. So, when I had a chance to help and watch him grow into a wrestler, I dropped everything and made a District Champ, Regional and Texas High School Wrestling State Qualifier. (Bobby then had to step away to bail someone out of jail, they don’t call him Bailout for nothing.)

MC: What changes have you made as a fighter and as a person since your last fight?

BP: The biggest change I’ve made as a fighter and a person in general, is that I’ve realized I have to look out for me. For instance, when I was getting ready for my last fight, I was juggling being a coach, a trainer, and a fighter. Trying to balance all that was crazy. I would train private clients all morning, go to work, then come back and train the fighters. When 9 o’clock came around and it was time to go home, I was completely exhausted. I’ve put a lot of time into myself this fight camp, I’ve travelled and put a lot of miles on my car. I could probably drive to 4oz Fight Club with my eyes closed. I’ve spent many mornings driving down Highway 6, and many nights coming back, but training at 4oz with the boys and then coming up to Windy at nights with the Warriors has made me into a machine.

MC: What was the first thing that went through your head when they offered you Angel Zamora?

BP: “The Bull” vs “The Cowboy”…Hulk vs Flash…Strength vs Speed…Angel vs Me. Angel is full of heart and tough as nails. I’m excited to step into the cage with him!

MC: You have the nickname “Bailout” because you are a bail bondsman. Do you find it easier to catch criminals in a nice pair of black denim jeans, with a leather vest, and an industrial size container of pepper spray?

BP: Most definitely easier to catch fugitives in a nice pair of black denim jeans and a leather vest, but you have to make sure your chest hair shows a little. It may work for Dog Chapman every time, but don’t believe what you see on TV. We do things a little different in Texas.

MC: There was a video of you floating around the internet recently where you were shadow boxing inside a sauna, which is clearly against gym rules. Do you consider yourself a “rule breaker”? Where there any consequences for breaking the gym code of conduct?

BP: That video was taken at Gold’s Gym, they pretty much let me do whatever I want there and leave me alone. The first time I went in there I started punching on the heavy bag they have for a little bit. Then I started noticing all the muscle heads just dropping their weights and watching me, amazed at how I was working the bag. They probably think I’m crazy because I use all the machines wrong and shadowbox after every set; but to answer your question I’m not a “rule breaker”, I just follow my own rules sometimes.

MC: After this fight will there be another long layoff, or will you try to get right back in?

BP: After this fight, I’m going to stay grinding and hopefully set up another fight as soon as I’m ready. No more layoffs, Houston MMA is on the rise and there’s competition all over H-Town. These youngsters are popping up from everywhere, so we older guys got to stay active.

MC: Anything you would like to say to Angel before the fight?

BP: I’ve never been one to talk trash, it’s not my style. I just want Angel to bring the best Angel he can bring to the cage, because I’m bringing the best me. There will be a war and there will be blood, I respect Angel and I know he is tough, but it’s my time.

MC: Who all would you like to thank for helping you prepare for this fight?

BP: I would like to thank all my sponsors for supporting me for this fight. Number one, Brazos Valley Bail Bonds has given me a lifestyle I’m so grateful for, also want to thank Team of Navasota, Rodriguez Tire Shop, DAWG Foundation, and last but not least, MyFightShop. Want to thank my coaches Jeremy Mahon, Joseph Mccamish, Jermaine Anugwom, Kru Perez. Daniel Pineda, Ryan Hollis, Alex Black, Robbie Olsen, Randy McCullough, AJ Jimenez, and Andrew Powers. All my other training partners at 4oz Fight Club and Windy Sport and Fitness. Every man has a woman that stands by them and sees not just the fight, but the dedication and preparation leading up to it. I want to thank my number one training partner and girlfriend, Whitney Moore, for allowing me to live my dream everyday and supporting me through it. She’s my motivation to keep fighting in and out of the cage, I love you Whe. Thank you MikeTheTruth.com for the interview, and Mark Carrillo for your time. LFC 39, shits going to be real!

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