Name: Allen "Pretty Boy" Crowder II (7-2)
Gym: New Millennium Fitness in Mebane
What inspired you to start fighting? I fell out of love with football and quit playing my sophomore year of college. After trying out bodybuilding, I decided I wanted to get back into physical sports. MMA was popular at the time and a friend of mine suggested I would be good at it. So, one night while I was working at one of my jobs as a bouncer in college, I was approached by a guy from Fearless Fighting came in. He asked if I’d like to fight. I was invited to his gym, where I met the owner, Rodrigo Galvanosi, who allowed me to train at his school so long as I fought under his name. Soon after, he introduced me to Richard Dambakely who I fought and won a few titles for. I ended up falling in love with the sport.
Who are your biggest influences? My father is my biggest influence. He pushes me to work harder. There was a few times where I got big- headed and he got me back on track. He keeps me focused on doing the best I can and knowing in life that everything happens for a reason.
What was your reaction when you found out you'd be fighting in this event? I was excited! I have been a professional MMA fighter for over three years now and was very happy to get this opportunity.
Who did you tell first? My father
What does it mean to you to have this opportunity? It means a lot. This is my chance to possibly get a contract on one of the biggest shows in MMA. It’s the opportunity I have been waiting and training so hard for.
Is there anything you're looking forward to at the event, anyone you're hoping to meet or anything you're hoping to do? I'm hoping to put on a spectacular show for the crowd. This will be the most people I have ever fought in front of and as an entertainer and a fighter. I want the crowd to be happy with my performance and hopefully impress the Bellator team.