I was one of the many people there to witness the Redline Grand Prix round two weigh-ins. The atmosphere there was very jovial and upbeat. Many fighters Pro and Amateur alike all had smiles on throughout the whole process. As each fighter stepped off the scale they quickly started gorging themselves, while talking to friends and family. It is really quite different going to a weigh in rather than watching on your computer screen. I don't think the camera can grasp what love and support all of these fighters have behind them. I waited in the back of the crowded room, so the fighters could mingle and eat. Later I would ambush them on their way out. In the corner of my eye, I saw Clint "Headbuster" Hester. Hester is listed at 6'1 but in person he seemed much larger. Here is the interview I conducted with him. He is a really soft spoken guy, which seems weird because his record really at 3-0 all by KO screams out at you.

Erich: In the 1980's Atlanta was a Mecca for Boxing, coming from a boxing background do you see Atlanta becoming a Mecca for MMA?

Hester: Definitely, You have guys like Brian Bowles, Raphael Assuncao and others really making an impact on the major MMA scene. So I think with a fighter or two having more success, I think Atlanta will be considered a Mecca.

Erich: Yeah, If you keeping knocking people out I'm sure everyone will start talking about you.

Hester: (laughs) Yeah that's the plan.

Erich: How much does the $10,000 mean to you?

Hester: It means a lot, I can put it into my graphics design business. Because in this sport it only takes one punch and your out of the game. So you must have a back-up plan.

via www.mixedmartialarts.com

Erich: Do you feel more confident with fans and friends watching you fight, or do you feel more pressure?

Hester: Confident. Because I got all my support their watching me. And I'm an entertainer, I come and entertain people so I'm just out their having fun.

Erich: Arron "Tex" Johnson was a highly touted prospect in Georgia and you finished him in the first round twice. Do you feel more confident beating a high caliber opponent as him?

Hester: It says a lot about my training, and the gameplan my coaches come up with. I put all my trust in my coaches and they continue to give me the advice and gameplaning needed to win. The whole team at X3 Sport puts together a great training camp.

Erich: Talk about the training you receive with X3. Who are some notable fighters coming out of the gym.

Hester: Located in Marietta and Midtown X3 we have got great training, and great fighters such as Dave Vitkay, Marcus Stanford, Sid Bargo, Steele McCall, and many other pro's and amateurs.

Erich: Yeah you guys have been popping up on all these Atlanta cards.

Hester: (laughs) Yeah man were trying to.

Erich: What do you do in your free time?

Hester: I'm a producer. I got a couple of rap artists coming up in the Atlanta area. Other than that I am running my web design and graphic design business.

Erich: No Video Games?

Hester: (laughs) Naw, they get boring. I have an X-Box but I haven't played it in like six months.

Erich: Feel free to plug any sponsors.

Hester: I just want to say thank you to all my fans, for coming out and supporting me. Everyone that has helped and encouraged me to get where I am now. Because in this sport you can't do it all by yourself.

Erich: Thank you so much for your time "Headbuster"

Hester: Not a problem man.