Let’s begin with the basics:
Name: Rickie “Red Hot” Gomes
Age: 22
Gym Affiliation: National Tae Kwon Do and Kickboxing
Titles Held: Wako U.S. International Title for Kickboxing
Record(s):             Kickboxing: 6-3
Int. Rules: 0-0-1(draw)
MMA: 0-1
Muay Thai: 1-0

Q: When and why did you first start fighting?
A: “I started in early 2006 just doing cardio kickboxing to stay in shape and ended up wanting to do more with it.”

Q: Are you excited for your upcoming fight?
A: “I can’t wait! I had a lot of fun in my last fight and can’t wait for this one.”

Q: How is your training going so far for the fight?
A: “It has been very good. My fights have all run so close together that it has been non-stop so I am only getting better and I’m in very good shape.”

Q: How long have you been training in each discipline?
A: “I have been training in Kickboxing for about 4 years. As for BJJ, about 1 ½ years due to some injuries. For MMA, about 8 months.”

Q: Not to get off the subject, but do you have any fights lined up after this one?
A: “Yes, I will be fighting on the Feb. 20th Stateline Warriors card in Beloit, WI.”

Q: What goals would you like to achieve with fighting?
A: “Definitely go pro see how far I can get.”

Q: What are your career goals outside of the ring and cage?
A: “I was going after my Associates in Criminal Justice but I switched over to Special Education.”

Q: I don’t think its to late to ask so, What is your New Year’s resolution?
A: “To get my walking weight where it should be.”

Q: Who are your Idols or people you look up to?
A: “Gina Carano. I would love to have her career and accomplish all she has. I enjoy watching GSP and Matt Hughes fight. Also, my ground coach Tony Schofield because he is such a positive person.”

Q: Who are your favorite local fighters since you just answered your favorite national ones above?
A: “I really enjoy watching Cameron Monyelle and Anthony Goodwin fight.”

Q: Are there any local match-ups you would like to have?
A: “ I would like to fight Leslie Stohl, because I have always looked up to her and thought she was so good and to be the best, you have to beat the best.”

Q: What’s your favorite technique in each discipline?
A: “I really enjoy kicking people in the head and in grappling I like the rear naked choke.”

After talking with Rickie for a while I learned she is a very down to earth and positive person. The gym she trained at had a very good atmosphere to it and she seemed more than ready for her upcoming bout in Chicago.Be sure to go out and show your support for Rickie this Thursday Jan. 21st. Illinois Combat Sports will be covering the event and we will bring you the results of all the fights including Rickie’s.