Caros Fodor’s Focus Shifts From Winning to Titles

Caros Fodor vs. Pat Healy

For lightweight prospect Caros “The Future” Fodor, accomplishing what he sets out to do is something he’s been able to achieve more often than not.

“When I first signed with Strikeforce, my goal was to try to win all the fights on my first contract, and I made that true, so 2011 was awesome,” said Fodor.

“(My fight against) James Terry was probably my roughest one: I think I was ahead on the scorecards the entire time, but I never had him stuck in a submission or dropped him with a shot, so that one I would probably go back and try harder to get a finish. The rest of them I feel really good about.”

Perhaps more important than winning his first five fights in Strikeforce, is the fact that Fodor has learned from each victory and uses it as fuel for his growth in the sport.

“I had three fights going into the third round, which prior to that, never in my professional career had I gone there, so I got experience in the later rounds,” said Fodor. “I also got experience in the big show, I was a headliner once, and just got used to the cameras and all that.

“I think the style that Matt Hume has me fighting with – the constant pressure and constant moving forward – I think I’ve learned how apply that, and when to settle back and start to pick shots when you’ve already got the guy tired.”

On Saturday night in Columbus, Ohio, Fodor will face what he told MMAWeekly.com could be his most difficult opponent yet in Pat Healy, when the two square off on the undercard of Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey.

“It’s going to be one of my toughest fights for sure,” said Fodor. “Pat’s a grinder; he gets on you and just pounds you out. He’ll be there at all points of the fight. He’s not (weak) anywhere. I can’t expect him to wimp out or mentally break or anything – he’ll be there ‘till the third.

“Everything I bring to the table, he’s probably seen at some point, so it’s just a matter of me putting together timing, being in great shape, and being able to capitalize on openings. We’re both going to go forward, try to wear down each other, and I guess we’ll just see who’s better at their game.”

As much respect as Fodor gives Healy, he does feel there could be one area that he has an advantage in.

“If we end up neutralizing each other in the clinch or on the ground and the fight ends up on its feet, I think I’ll have the advantage in the striking area,” said Fodor. “He can take shots real well, so I think that even though I’m the better striker, hurting him is going to be a problem, but at least I could score points up there.

“I’m ready for a battle. This could come down to scoring points, whoever gets hurt first and makes the first mistake.”

Having achieved what he set out to do last year, Fodor is aiming even higher in 2012.

“This year I’m hoping to get through Pat Healy and I’m really hoping for a title shot after that,” he said.

“Being around the guys in Strikeforce and the UFC, I’ve found out that these guys aren’t mythical creatures you see on TV. They’re regular guys and any one of us can be beaten on any given day. Before, I thought becoming champion was never in my mind, but now I think it’s a really obtainable goal and I’m looking to do it this year.”

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