Post-Bulletin staff
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Elgin native Tommy Speer is officially back on track.
After suffering through the first losing streak of his career, Speer is now on a winning streak after defeating Geno Roderick on Saturday during "Capital City Cage Wars" in Illinois. The event was promoted by former UFC champion Matt Hughes.
Speer defeated Roderick by rear-naked choke late in the first round.
"It’s the first time I’ve ever won by submission (for something other than strikes), so now I’ve got that notch on my belt," Speer said. "It felt good to go almost a whole round; I got a good work-out and just overall felt good about the way I fought."
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The fight took place at light heavyweight (205 pounds), though Speer normally fights at welterweight (170 pounds). Speer’s opponent was changed this week, and Roderick weighed about 220 pounds when he agreed to take the fight. He was able to cut to 205 pounds, and Speer stopped cutting weight and tipped the scale at 188.
Speer said the weight difference wasn’t a major obstacle.
"You can feel the difference," Speer said. "I wont say he was stronger, but he was just a bigger opponent and just a different experience. I definitely don’t plan on making a permanent jump to that weight."
Speer improved to 11-3 as a professional.
The Elgin product won’t get much time off as he has accepted a fight on Nov. 15 in Virginia against an opponent to be determined. Speer still hopes to fight for a major organization in the near future.
"We’re waiting to hear from the WEC, but whatever happens happens. I know (my agent Monte Cox) is shopping me around, so we’ll see," Speer said.
