Buddy V Interview | OTH Magazine Issue 38

Peace Buddy and thank you for your time, if you don't mind before we get into to remind the readers what you do and who you are.

I am Buddy V the Modern Day Aztec Warrior, creator of ZUEL. I make all of my clothing, draw my own images, and fight MMA.

You are not only the creator / founder of “Zuel,” but the designer as well. What inspires the ideas behind the designs?

The love for my culture is a huge influence. Remembering the lowrider shows as a kid, the inspiration every time I learn something about my ancestors, or the murals that incorporate different aspects of our life all in one picture.

You currently have a few products available on your website, Zuel-world.com, including the fan favorites “Fighter In You” and “Cardio is Key” tees. Do you have a favorite product or design that is special to you?

Absolutely, I have a new black and green button up called "The Emerald Within" that represents both obsidian and emerald. Emerald being my birthstone and obsidian being used by my ancestors, the vivid green embroidery, stitching, and buttons, glow on the black fabric. The "Cardio Is Key" also, because it is cool seeing fighters wear that while in the cage.

You have added more than just apparel, offering earrings and jewelry. Tell us about these additions and do you make the jewelry as well?

As I studied more of my ancestors, I admired the beadwork, the jewelry, the intricacy of every detail and I could feel it in my blood. So I can stay with pride, I make all of my own jewelry and soon release necklaces and pendants. Everything is cut and painted by hand, plus hand beading the rope.

On the topic of new items, with the spring and summer just around the corner, what can we expect from the “Zuel” brand? New products, new styles, etc.

So many awesome things! There will be hand sewn garments, unique old school artwork with my Chicano style, and finally, after so many requests, I will be bringing back hats.

What is the message you are trying to deliver to the world, not only through your brand but also through your fights?

Hard work, Grit, Determination. That no matter how many times life knocks us down, we always get back up!

You mentioned last time we spoke you were hoping to start training again and get back in the ring. What's the update on that?

That is on track to happen. There is actually a StreetBeefs ScrapYard

fight on May 24th and that is my birthday. So I saw it as the perfect time to jump back in the cage.

So the plan is to come back at 135, that's lighter than your regular weight class right? Why the decision to change weight classes?

Heck Yeah! I started to focus on living a much more disciplined life. I wanted to challenge myself and I know dropping the weight and staying there would require putting in work everyday, both mentally and physically.

It has been a while since we saw you in the cage, without giving too much away any changes to the fighting style or just improved and better?

Absolutely! I was a bit more wild and aggressive, but afterwards became a tad more mellow. I have found a way to combine the two by utilizing my skill set. I cannot wait to show everybody!

I'm assuming the goal like any fighter is a title but what are your goals this year when it comes to competing? Knockout, submission, undefeated, fighter of the year, etc.

I have a few goals all the way! I want to try and get on the wall of Fame. Also get enough fights in while wearing my merch so that I can have commercials from all of them. I want at least one highlight finish whether from knockout or submission.

Has your training and eating regime changed with getting back in action? How often do you train and what does your diet consist of?

I have done a complete 180, training at least 4 days a week and the majority of what I eat now is pretty healthy. I volunteer at my kids' school and I want to be a living example so I am very serious with the discipline of everyday life.

Buddy it's always a pleasure to chop it up with you, before we wrap up go ahead and leave the readers with some advice, whether it be a fighter or someone creating their own company, where should they start?

You have to go all in on yourself. Be willing to let go of everything holding you back, and not just people, but mindsets, habits, anything that is an obstacle slowing you down or blocking you from your goal. Your life is only yours. Don't live it by someone else's rules.

Buddy again it's been fun, please leave us with your social media, contact and website information.

Always a blast! Follow me on Instagram @ zuel_buddyv, you can also keep up with me on Facebook at Zuel World and course i have the Website, www.zuel-world.com, subscribe to my Onlyfans, Haha just kidding.