Lorenzo “The Samoan Silverback” Hood, a 6’3, 265-pound Blackzilian top prospect, has elected to sign a four fight deal with the Bellator brand versus signing with the UFC. Under the tutelage of former UFC champion Rashad Evans, Hood is looking for for a mid-summer debut with the Viacom promotion, and is looking for a fight with Bobby Lashley. He hopes to tackle three tilts in 2015. And with Lashley set to settle the score with James Thompson at Bellator 138, the Samoan Silverback will most likely have to debut against a different, and possibly lesser known, opponent. But, as one of the top prospects over 205 in the sport, exactly who is Lorenzo Hood, and how did Bellator win him over?
Why Bellator?
The Samoan Silverback explains why Bellator beat-out the UFC for his acquisition:
“The UFC had offered me a contract as well, but in this sport, it’s about the money. You got to pay the bills and feed your family. I went with Bellator because they had the better offer for me.”
With Bellator recently willing to out-spend the UFC for a top 10 light-heavyweight in Phil Davis, is the big bank vault of Viacom the only draw for fighters? Lorenzo Hood doesn’t think so:
“Both the UFC and Bellator are great, but I feel like Bellator has the advantage right now.When you watch a Bellator event, it’s huge. It’s like watching Wrestlemania or something. They really have the glamour and ‘big event’ awe factor going on.”
Who is Lorenzo Hood?
Lorenzo Hood is a 6’3, 265-pound Blackzilian that leans on his striking and footwork to achieve the swift knockout. Not only does Hood have a knack for first round finishes, he has also been gaining guidance under the wing of former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion “Suga” Rashad Evans. Describing his relationship with Evans, Hood had this to say:
“It’s crazy how Rashad has been mentoring me on how to be a world champion. He gives me advice on everything. Things like; how to carry myself as a professional, what to eat, how to train, do this or do that. He’s been there before and knows the ropes.”
Training:
Lorenzo Hood currently calls Boca Raton, Florida his hometown, as Glenn Robinson, owner of the Blackzilians, added The Samoan Silverback to the already stacked stable. Hood feels as though he is part of the perfect team with the Blackzilians as he raved about his Boca Raton teammates:
“Anthony Johnson, Rashad Evans, Thiago Silva, Abel Trujillo, Matt Mitrione, Stefan Struve… man, we have so many big name guys down here. When you’re training with the best in the world you have to literally be trying to not get better. Everything we do is at the highest level.”
The Samoan Silverback has also been spotted working his kickboxing technique with Paul Reinhart in Chicago, Illinois and perfecting his boxing prowess with pro trainer Buddie Simpkins at Box n Go Gym in Norfolk, Virginia.
Goals:
“I’m only 26 so I’ll continue to grow and improve and become the face of Bellator’s heavyweight division,” Zo explained. When asked if he had any specific fight in mind, Hood wasted no time in answering:
“Bobby Lashley, I really want to fight that guy for my first or second fight. I let the Bellator matchmakers know, but I doubt Lashley will accept. I’ve been ducked 8 to 10 times in the past two years. People know what I’m coming to do. I’m a 13-1-1 Blackzilian that’s coming to put people to sleep!”
The Samoan Silverback addresses the critics:
“People say I haven’t fought the toughest guys. Ok, that’s fine, but guess what? I did exactly what I was supposed to do when fighting those guys. I went in there and knocked those guys out. I took care of business and will continue to do so no matter who I’m fighting. Someone has to prove to me that I can’t knock them out.”
Manny or Floyd?
“I see Manny getting the knockout in the 10th round.”
Lorenzo Hood Thanks:
Chivalry Contigo, Deadly Breed, Jaco, Paul Reinhart, Ultimate Athletes Inc., The Blackzilians
Twitter:
@Hood_Zo
Instagram:
Zillagorilla26
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