After a seven-year run in MMA, Chip Moraza-Pollard decided he needed a change.
Moraza-Pollard didn’t have to look very far for his new career endeavor, as “The Surgeon” found his second-calling with combat sports in kickboxing.
Up next for Moraza-Pollard will be a meeting with Matt Coleman on April 28 from the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut at Lion Fight 36. The main card airs live on AXS TV in the U.S. and Fight Network in Canada, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
While Moraza-Pollard was still capable of competing in MMA, his desire to grow made the decision an easy one to accept. The native of Plymouth, Massachusetts carries a 3-0 record in kickboxing with him.
“I’m a life-long martial artist, so I’ll be competing as long as I’m able to do so,” he told FightLine during a recent interview. “(In the coming months) I plan on being more well known, getting better as a fighter and continuing to put on a show whenever I’m in the ring.”
Last month at Lion Fight 35, Moraza-Pollard worked his way to a decision victory over Scott Noble, dominating the fight. He picked up a pair of 50-43 scorecards, with the third being 50-44.
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During his MMA career, Moraza-Pollard went 10-9 with a win over Dan Lauzon via second round head-kick being a highlight. He finished five of his opponents with strikes and submitted another, but the “lay-and-pray” style of the sport was draining on him.
“Being a striker and competing in MMA was frustrating at times, so (kickboxing) was always something I knew I wanted to do,” he said. “The biggest change in prep is that I don’t have to spend countless hours drilling takedown defense or having guys sit on me. I get to focus on and get better at the aspects of combat sports that I’ve always loved.”
That desire will lead him into battle against Coleman with hopes of putting an exclamation point on the evening.
“I’m happy to get right back in the ring so soon and am looking forward to showcasing my skills against another tough opponent,” he said. “Hopefully I can get the finish this time instead of letting it go to a decision.”
Moraza-Pollard fought for the World Series of Fighting, Bellator MMA, CES MMA and other promotions during his time in MMA.
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