MMA Discussions

Interviewed by Michelle of MMA Discussions

1) Tell us what got you into the MMA?

training in the army infantry got me into mma

2) Who are your sponcers?

streetwise fight wear, triggonomics, and head blade are the main sposors but i have more

3) What town do you hale from?

i hale from a small town called massena ny population 20,000

4) When is your next fight?

next fight is set for around the 25 of nov

5) What is your signature move?

i would have to say any type of arm bar i love them

6) What do you think of the blow up in the MMA world today?

i love it and think its about time mma hit the main stage

7) What Music are you into atm?

all kinds i kinda like country most but love all music gues its just cause i am a country boy from the middle of no where
Tell us about gogetforum.com/mmafightersofth?

its a new forum site made to help new fighters get in contact with other fighters old and new plus there is a place for promoters and all so come show some love but we want everyone that loves mma to come show there support i will be in there everyday so you can talk to me direct and then you may get to see some others that i am trying to bring along so come register

9) One place youd rather be right now is?

no where i am about to go take pictures of my kids for their halloween party at school nothing better than my kidslove all 6 of them

10) The one move that makes you jump outta your seat like a big spider just jummed in your lap?

any type of arm bar cause i can see it coming from a mile away when i am watching the fights

11) Tell us something that makes you bashful?

not sure my mom says nothing makes a french boy bashful i guess growing up in my family there was nothing that could embarass us boys

12) What 3 things do you focus on while in training?

right now i am concentrating on cardio, stand up, and takedowns everyday

13) How does your family feel about your fighting?

my older kids love it cause they think its cool their dad is a pro fighter and all their friends think its cool but then again the oldest is the talk of the school he is 11 and the only one in school with a pro athlete for a dad loll my mom hates it but supports me cause its what i want to do every one else thinks its great cause they know i lovce it and am good at it even my grandmother wears one of my sponsors shirts lol

by the way thanks for taking the time to look at my life here!!!!!!!

the 20th installment of 13 Q’s with an MMA FAN is with Matthew from Illinois.

1.) Thanks for your time Matthew Bedford, What’s new?

Looking forward to the Bushido card coming up at the beginning of the month. Very stoked about the lineup.

2.) What is it that got you into MMA and when?

I had caught wind of what, in grade school, was classified by my friends as cage fighting in the early UFCs but at the time I was more fascinated with the violence aspect of it than anything. Certainly not enough to appreciate it. Years later, I had caught some smaller Shooto sponsored events, and got drawn into Japanese MMA. Discovered Kazushi Sakuraba and I was stuck.

3.) Do you train MMA now or would you ever like to?

I’ve never trained full on MMA, nor would I ever plan on it. I’m not in the kind of shape where I feel I could hang with anybody realistically. I prefer to be a spectator and train for my own physical benefit. Big fan of practicing jiu-jitsu though.

4.) Have you ever had an MMA fight or do you ever want to?

For the same reasons as stated above, I’m in no place to take any sort of combat to a competitive level. I’ll leave that to the people who are good at it.

5.) What are 3 bands/groups that’d be in your iPOD right now?

The Raveonettes, Type O Negative, Silversun Pickups.

6.) Who are some of your favorite fighters and why?

Kazushi Sakuraba will always be my favorite because of what he did for MMA. He always fought with heart, and he always brought it for the fans. Fedor Emelianenko for the same reasons. There has never been a better fighter than Fedor and it’s hard to imagine there will be for quite some time. For different reasons, guys like Wanderlei Silva are great to watch because of their intensity and fighting spirit. Carlos Newton because he’s a genius on the ground and he is one of the nicest cats you’ll ever meet. Shinya Aoki, too, because he is a beast and a pleasure to watch.

7.) What is the best MMA fight you’ve ever seen?

Carlos Newton vs Kazushi Sakuraba was one of the most memorable fights I’ve seen because that was a total chess match and a great ground display. More recently Caol Uno vs Joachim Hansen in Hero’s. It was non-stop, they’re amazing fighters, and the finish was crazy.

8.) Besides the UFC, have you watched other MMA events, which ones?

I am, above all else, a fan of PRIDE and Shooto. The UFC to me has come off as more of a spectacle and lacks the integrity of PRIDE shows, both in the presentation and the fighting itself. It’s no disrespect to the UFC fighters, because they are making a living doing what they do, and in most cases for very good reason. It’s strictly a matter of presentation and quality. Shooto because it is a very strong organization. I enjoy the lower weight classes, and a lot of the heart that is generally on display in the fights. I am a fan of all MMA though.

9.) Have you ever been to a professional or amateur MMA event?

I have not, but I have been fortunate enough to meet fighters such as Pat Miletich, Bas Rutten, Carlos Newton, Renzo Gracie, Alex Schoenhauer (sp?), Jay Hieron, etc. at their seminars.

10.) What are your thoughts on the current state of MMA?

It’s great to see how big MMA has been getting. Mainstream exposure is great for any sport, but it really helps to show the public that there is more than just brutality. It’ll be a while before it’s really truly accepted, but I feel that the publicity is definitely taking a big step toward that. The UFCs future expansion across the border and eventually overseas as well as PRIDE coming to the US are both great things to see.

11.) Is there anywhere in the world you’d like to travel to but haven’t seen yet?

I would love to travel to Brazil one day for many reasons. There is a rhythm that comes with that country and you can see it in a lot of their fighters and you can see it in a lot of their athletes.

12.) What other sports, if any, do you like? list your favorite teams if any.

I am a big fan of football, baseball, and soccer. Being from Chicago I love the Bears and the Cubs. Soccer-wise i’m all about Ryan Giggs and Manchester United.

13.) If you could see ANY MMA match, who would the fighters be?

As cliche as this is: Sakuraba vs Rickson. Dream match. There it is.

More reaslitically Fedor vs Sylvia, for entertainment reasons.

 

 Season 1 Episode 1- MMA Discussions Radio: Shonie Carter and Mikey Burnett [58:40m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Guests Shonie Carter and Mikey Burnett

Interviewed by Michelle of MMA Discussions

the 19th! installment of 13 Q’s with an MMA FAN is with DAN

1) I know who you are cuz we are related but tell everyone who you are as a person?

Dan Martinez, one of the coolest persons you will ever meet
2) What got you into MMA?

UFC ..1 back in 1993. We had a cable descrambler and I was always able to watch the PPV’s for “free”

3) Who is your fav fighter?

Wow, I have a few that I like. Anderson Silva, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, Mirko CroCop, George St. Pierre, Mike Swick, Takanori Gomi. Lot’s from Pride…I think the UFC is kinda thin right now but they are coming back up with thier fighters. The LW division is shaping up to be a good division. The middle weight division doesn’t have the talent to compete against Anderson Silva at this time. The WW division is iffy too….

4) What is your fav move in the ring that makes you jump outta your seat like Micheal Jackson just walked in the room …giggle..?

I really get excited when I see an Armbar or Triangle Choke about to get applied (I can see them coming a mile away), but a good Thai Clinch (like the one that Silva caught Franklin with in the last UFC) are great to watch too…

5) What are your thoughts on the blow up of MMA in the US today?

I think it’s great but needs to be done with caution to not oversaturate TV with MMA for the love of add revenue and such…overall I think it Fantastic

6) I know but tell us what is your Fav Music?

I have many fav’s. Deep House is my number one but I also love good R&B, Hip Hop, Blues and different metal…

7) With all that good cookin we got growin up tell us what your fav food dish is?

I love tomales and Pasteles!!!!!
(mine too) giggle..
Have you or would you ever train MMA?

I’ve done some Kickboxing classes and some BJJ. Would love to make a larger portion of my time for training…competing or not…

9) Have you ever been to an MMA live Event?

YES!!! So Fuckin Awesome!!!

10) Who do you think deserves a shot at a title?

He’s getting one…George St. Pierre and he’s gonna kick Hughes’ ass!!! Also CroCop, but he is also getting a shot against Fedor soon. I think Brandon Vera would be good against Silvia for the UFC HW title

11) One place youd rather be right now is and why?

Home smoking bowls or in the gym training…

12) What do you watch more of UFC, PRIDE, IFL, WFA, KOTC and more but what do you watch the most of?

PRIDE and UFC Junkie!!!!!! The others are great to watch too but just don’t have a strong enough presence yet. Rumble on the Rock is a good too!!!

13) Tell us when your next RAVE is?

I actually haven’t thrown a rave since 99. The laws in California make it pretty much impossible to do so, so probably not anytime soon…lol

Thanks for takin the time fill this out…
If there is anything else youd like to say have at it….

GSP is gonna Beat Hughes!!!!! hahaha

Interviewed by Michelle of MMA Discussions

Who’s Tim Melican?

Tim Melican is the owner/creator of MMA DISCUSSIONS and Host of MMA Discussions RADIO

ok here we go….

1.) How did you start doin what you do?

Well, the first BLOG was Sept. 3rd with KenFLo. But, I’ve been doing this type of stuff my whole life.

2.) When did you get into the MMA?

I saw UFC 2 LIVE on PPV and Loved it. I stopped watching when the rules started to change around UFC 13 and didn’t get back into it until TUF season 1. Thank God I did… I’m in LOVE with MMA not more than I ever could’ve imagined.

3.) Whats your opinion of the Blow up of the MMA in the US?

I love it… because MMA has gone somewhat mainstream, it’s been able to reach a lot of people who have a true passion for it but probably wouldn’t have.

4.) Have you or would you train MMA?

I have and I really want to but, I need to get some things in order first. I will end up fighting whether its a few fights or MORE… I love it and have the heart to compete.. I just need the focus, money and training…

5.) Who was your Fav interview so far?

TOUGH… KenFLo, cos it he was my first and he did a great job… Gilbert Melendez, Din Thomas, Denis Kang, Josh Thompson… those stand out but I love most of the interviews especially the ones who actually said more than one word answers..

6.) What is your pick for fight of the year?

Silva v. Franklin or CroCop v. W. Silva or Nick Diaz v. Neer showing he’s still got it…

7.) What move makes you jump outta your seat?

a flying anything or knees to the head.

8.) Who is your fav fighter?

CroCop and Nick Diaz TIE with tons others right up there like, John Alessio, Denis Kang, Charles Bennett, Shonie Carter and on and on.

9.) What music is in your Cd player right now?

Machine Head, Finger Eleven, OURS, Pillar, N.W.A., MC REN, Lamb Of God, Skillet, Theory Of A Deadman, Finger Eleven…

10.) What is your Fav T.V Show?

Besides TUF, The Office, My Name Is Earl, Cash Cab, Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson (Bush is drinkin’ again), Around The Horn, ATHF.

11.) Tell us about you as a person?

Ha. I’m easy going. I’m very passionate about things that i love. like Virginia Tech Football, Chocodiles, Mr. PiBB, and MMA.

12.) Who would you like to get into the ring and fight?

Kendall Grove. lol… I’d be a middleweight so, any middleweight fighter would be an honor. I like Kendall Grove but, there’s something about him that makes me want to get in there and fight him.

13.) What events have you been to this yr?

none. but, I’m going to IFL in Dec.

One more just cuz ur soo damn special….

Who are your sponcers?

KKE Clothing, Protech Mouthguards, GymSoap, SSFgear, KeepersOfTheCage.com and BOOYAA.

Thanks Tim for everything you have done and are doing you are the best. If there is anything else youd like to add have at it…

I love all of my readers and truly appreciate EVERYONE who’s helped me out at all. Also, I;d love to thank Steve From Nevada, Rhonda From Virginia and of course, Michelle from South Dakota for being true sports and being the best! Be sure to tune in to MMA Discussions RADIO every Monday night from 9-10pm EST on fantalklive.com

The 18th Installment of 13 Q’s is with KANE from Missouri.

Enjoy!

1.) Hey Kane! What’s New?

WELL St. Louis Cardinals
Just Won The World Series!! My Home Team..

2.) What got into MMA and when?

Well I Love Boxing And I Wached It 24/7!!So A Friend Told Me About MMA I Went To The Video Store Rented A uFC dvd’Back In 2000 And I Have Ben Hooked On MMa..

3.) What are some of your favorite bands?

Megadeath’Metallica’Van Halen’Ac/Dc’Pantera….

4.) Ever trained MMA or thought about it?

thought about it…

5.) Ever been to an MMA event (Amateur or Pro)?

Lots Of Amateur And 1 Pro..

6.) Any other sports you into? name some teams you dig.

Boxing’FootBall= Dallas Cowboys’St.Louis Rams.Hocky=St. Louis Blues…

7.) What are a few of your favorite fights?

chuck And Randy 1.2.And3.Cro Cop Fedor.1 Trig Hughes.2 Liddel Ortiz.BJ Penn Hughes.1 Randy Ortiz.Nick Diaz Robbylawyer!!! Lots More To Maney To Post..

8.) If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Israel..

9.) Is Chuck Lidell the greatest Light Heavyweight of all time?

Of All Time Not Yet But He Will Be..

10.) What other MMA promotions besides UFC do you like or watch?

KOTC.Pride Fc.K-1.As Maney As I Can..

11.) Your dream Fight Card would be?

1.Cro Cop vs Fedor.2
2.Chuck Liddell Vs Wanderlei Silva
3.Tito Ortiz vs Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson
4.Tim Sylva Vs Aleksander Emelianenko
5.Mike Swick vs Anderson Silva
6.Takanori Gomi Vs Sean Sherk
7.Josh Koscheck Vs Matt Hughes
8.Mauricio “Shogun” Rua Vs Renato “Babalu” Sobral
9.Rich Franklin Vs Dan Henderson
10.Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto Vs Hayato Sakurai

12.) What are your thoughts on the current state of MMA in the U.S.?

Its Great It Should Be Legal In All State’s

13.) Which upcoming fight are you most looking forward to seeing?

Liddell Vs Ortiz.2 And Cro Cop Vs Fedor.2

Thanks for your time Kane! Feel free to say anything else you’d like….

Thanks Bro Any Way I Can Help Let Me Know Pe@ce..Kane.

Interviewed By Rhonda of MMA Discussions

Mr. Varner,

Thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions. I know that you are very busy preparing for your next event, but we’ll get to that later.

1. You are the owner of Virginia Beach Academy of Martial Arts (VBAMA). How long have you operated your academy?

Over 16 year now, I taught for other establishments before that.

2. How did you first become interested in the martial arts?

After watching some of Bruce Lee movies in the early 1970’s, I was fascinated about how empowering training in the M.A. could be.

3. What types of disciplines do you teach at VBAMA?

Muay Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Kempo, Arnis, Sambo, USA Boxing, Yoga, and have recently added the Miletich Fighting System, as we have approved to be their Virginia representitive.

4. How many students do you have at VBAMA?

Around 100, that’s all we could serve at our old location, but now that we are in larger class A facility we are ready for that number to grow.

5. Do you fight?

Yes, I used to compete as much as I could when I could get someone to teach my classes so that I could train. I tore the meniscus in my right knee training for grapplers quest last year, being 43 years old, it’s take a while to recuperate. The last time I competed, I won a gold medal at the National Jiu-jitsu Championships in Raleigh NC for my weight class.

6.. Tell us about some of your top performers at VBAMA……..

We’ve got Mike Phillips who will be fighting for the WKA mid-atlantic 145lb title belt in two weeks. Brandon Stewart is undefeated at 185lbs and will be fighting for the KOTR title belt in February. Arthur Rofi is well on his way to challenging for the 155lb title. Pat Gilpin, once recovered from his knee injury, should dominate the 205lb division. We also have some Thai Boxing champions at various weight classes. I’m very excited about our large new croup of MMA fighters who are showing an extreme amount of potential.

7. You have a really exciting event coming up on November 11th in Hampton, Virginia. King of the Ring. Tell us more about what we can expect to see.

There will be fighters from teams from D.C. to Raleigh competing at various weight classes. There are four title belt matches scheduled, 15 bouts in all. Other than Mike’s title fight, there will a between two undefeated Hampton Roads heavyweights, Antwain Britt representing Hybrid Academy taking on Steve Dart from Gustavo Machado’s Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Academy. Joey Allen, a Hampton native representing Universal Fighting Systems will defend his 155lb title against Zach Allen (no relation) from Newport News and the Modern American MMA team. The Thai Boxing title bout features Chase Walden from Virginia Beach against Rafael Paredo from the D.C. area for the vacant 165lb title belt (which one of my students held before he left for college).

8. Your first King of the Ring event was in February 2001. What made you decide to begin this MMA adventure?

I started KOTR because of the lack of opportunities to for my students to compete locally. We used to travel to New York, Atlanta, Chicago and Richmond was considered a local event.

9. Do you attend live MMA events, other than KOTR, of course?

Yes, I still travel to Richmond for the Combat Sports Challlenge quite often as we usually have fighters competing in it. I try to attend other regional events when I can, which is not very often right now. I would like to see the UFC live some day soon. hopefully with a one of my guys on the fightcard.

10. Who is your personal favorite fighter?

Frank Shamrock at first because he was one of the first well rounded fighters and the proto type for todays top fighters. Vanderlei Silva because he showed how deadly a striker can be even against the best grapplers. I’ve recently become a big fan of Matt Hughes who has rounded out his game after depending on his strong wrestling background for so much of his career.

11. Your head MMA coach is Travis Hill. How has he been an asset to VBAMA?

Travis is one of the most experienced MMA competitors in Hampton Roads, with almost 20 fights under his belt, making him one of the most experienced coaches in our region. The guys in our Academy really take to him, he knows how far to push them without them getting resentful. They can talk to him about personal issues as well as MMA related advice.

12. What is the biggest challenge to running your facility?

Making sure that I help everyone achieve their personal goals.

13. Where do you expect VBAMA will be in 10 years?

Our goal is to be known as the premier Martial Arts training facility in Hampton Roads. We would like VBAMA to be known as a great place to train whether one wants to compete in MMA or get in great shape and learn self defense.

Thank you again for your time. Please feel free to add any additional information you would like us to know. Plug any sponsors, fighters, events…..

Rolyn Construction, ICAT logistics, Vineyard Community Church, Touch Audio/Video productions, WKA, BEV Enterprises, and many others that we owe thanks to. Thank you for your time.