Fighters of New York: Austin Halik

Austin Halik is 17-year-old kickboxer out of LAW MMA fighting this Friday night at Combat at the Capitale 40. He is trained by Ray Longo and Jennie Nedell. Here is New York Fighting’s exclusive interview with him.

My name is Austin Halik. I’m 17 years old and I fight out of LAW MMA. I’ve been training striking since I was 12 but started grappling when I was much younger.

Q: I understand that you are fighting Donny Lyons out of Alpha Omega, the gym you used to train with. Do you know anything about your opponent?

A: I don’t know anything about my opponent, I’ve never trained with him but I will be preparing for him like I would prepare for anyone else.

Q: Your opponent is 24 years old, a grown man. Does this age difference faze you at all?

A: Everyone that I train with at LAW is older than me and more experienced than me. I’m used to it and I am ready for anything this man throws at me.

Q: Do you plan on sticking with kickboxing for your career or do you want to transition into MMA in the future?

A: MMA has always been my passion and in a few years I’d love to be able to fight MMA. Right now I’m focused on getting this win and we will go from there.

Q: Do you have any predictions going into your fight Friday?

A: I don’t have any specific predictions but I have confidence in myself that I will get this W and I’m just looking forward to having fun in there.

Q: How did your training camp go for your first fight and how long was it?

A: My training camp went great, it was about 2 months but I’m always training and always ready to go. I feel amazing and I’m just ready to scrap.

Q: Is there anyone you’d like to give a shoutout to that helped you in the lead up to this fight?

A: My friends, family, all of my coaches and training partners at LAW. They really pushed me and help me reach my full potential. And shoutout to my guys on South East Cyclones Wrestling.

Q: Where can we find you on social media?
A: Follow me on Instagram @austinhalik

Special thanks to Austin Halik for the interview and good luck to him. He will be fighting Donny Lyons at Combat At The Capitale 40 in New York City this Friday.
Writer: Nick Shimkin

Editor: Kyle Antonelli

Photos courtesy of Longo and Weidman MMA