It’s been two years too long since Eddie Ferreira’s been to Kaua’i, but on Saturday, March 25, his family, who lives on the Westside, will get their first chance to see him live and in person at Hanapepe Stadium in
It’s been two years too long since Eddie Ferreira’s been to Kaua’i, but on Saturday, March 25, his family, who lives on the Westside, will get their first chance to see him live and in person at Hanapepe Stadium in a bout for the Garden Isle’s Third MMA Cage Match.
“When I first told them (his family) that I was coming down, they were surprised and really excited,” Ferreira said in a phone interview from Kahului, Maui.
The Maui High School wrestling coach visited Kaua’i about two years ago to see his family, who lives in the Hanapepe/Waimea areas.
“I got a call from Vance (Pascua) and he heard rumors that I had ties to the island, so he asked me to fight and I accepted,” Ferreira said.
The Maui Community College 24-year-old student is matched up against Kamole Jiu Jitsu and Kaua’i County Lifeguard Kaeo Lopez.
“I’ve never met him, but I respect every fighter. I had to lose 20 pounds since they called me a few weeks back to make the weight (165 lbs.),” Ferreira said.
After playing sports his whole life (foot-ball, baseball, and wrestling), Ferreira saw MMA fighting as a natural fit.
“I’ve been fighting for five years and I was always involved with wrestling. It’s a self-motivational sport and I enjoy doing it,” Ferreira said.
So far, he’s compiled a 3-1 record, with his only loss coming from O’ahu’s Cory Daniels by decision.
“I really have no strategy. Right before the fight, I think about my training and as soon as I get to the venue, it’s on,” Ferreira said of his pre-fight rituals.
With a packed house anticipated at Hanapepe Stadium, Ferreira contends that he’s not going to feel out of place.
“I think it’s going to be a neutral crowd. Majority of my family is here (on Kaua’i),” Ferreira said.
He’ll be traveling with Ronald Moniz, another MMA fighter, and trainer Ira Ho’okano.
A special weighin and autograph session is scheduled to rock Kukui Groves Center Stage on March 24. General admission tickets are $25 and $30 at the door. Ringside seats are sold out. Tickets can be purchased at Meyvn Skate in Lihu’e, Tropical Tantrum in Kapa’a, Dynamic Tinting in Puhi, Sweet and Sassy in ‘Ele’ele, Westside Sporting Goods in Waimea, M&H Service in Waimea, and Wong’s Restaurant in Hanapepe.
Doors for the event open at 5 p.m.
Garden Isle MMA Cage Match No. 3
- March 24: Autograph session at Kukui Groves Center Stage, 5 p.m.
- March 25: Hanapepe Stadium, Doors open at 5 p.m.
