Jeudi punches in with high praises
If legends could cast shadows, 
Andres Jeudi’s would stretch from Somerville throughout the Bay State and beyond.
Despite training for the past six years at Sityodtong, Jeudi will finally make his mixed martial arts debut on Saturday at the XCFL in Marlborough.
You wouldn’t think it’d be hard for a fighter with a 0-0 record to get a fight, but ask any local, WEC or UFC fighter who steps into the Sityodtong gym and they’ll tell you this Dorchester native is the real deal.
And word travels quickly.
“I have been rejected for the past two years to debut in MMA. It’s frustrating. It’s a whole bunch of word of mouth,” Jeudi said. “I like my reputation, but I don’t like my reputation. It’s good because everyone acknowledges my skill but I don’t because it intimidates other people and makes it harder for me to fight.”
Jeudi, 27, will look to take his frustration out on Antwan Penn. The undefeated Muay Thai fighter possesses the skills to reach the next level, said Mark DellaGrotte.
“It’s crazy. It’s because he’s been a sparring partner for everyone in my stable since day one. He’s been with me for a long time,” DellaGrotte said. “From the UFC, WEC, Strikeforce or any major fighter in the game that comes through Sityodtong, he’s been a sparring partner for, and he’s giving them all hell. Word just spread like wild fire about this kid.”
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