MMA Discussions

Interviewed by Michelle of MMA Discussions

http://www.myspace.com/michaelthomashess

1) Tell us a lill about you as a person?

I am a 32, I am an aircraft parts salesman (which is where I am right now), I
love music, video games, and I am a fan of MMA for over 10 years.

2) What is it about MMA that brings you to it?

It is the intensity and aggressive action combined with strategy. I was a
freestyle wrestler as a child, so for me to watch the skill these fighters use
in their body positioning is amazing.

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

I think the success of the Ultimate Fighter TV show, and subsequently the
increase of popularity of the UFC and MMA, will take the sport to new heights.
The fights and fighters will just get better and better. Also, now we as fans
get to see the fight organizations go after the free agents like Quinton Jackson
and Cro Cop.

4) Who are some of your fav fighter and why?

My favorite fighter of all time is Tito Ortiz, probably for the reasons why most
people hate him. I love his disrespectful attitude and showboating style. The
grave digger celebration and custom t-shirts are very entertaining to me.

5) Who do you think should go after GSP and why?

I think Diego Sanchez has the best chance of beating Georges St. Pierre.
Sanchez is a very diverse fighter, and has all the skills to stand up with GSP.
Although, if I were Diego, I would take him to the ground and submit him like
Hughes did.

6) If you had the chance to get into the cage and spar with anyone who would it
be and why?

I would like to spar with Tito. I thought he was a really good coach on TUF.

7) Where is the one place youd rather be right now?

Home playing the new Scarface video game I got for Christmas.

Have you or would you ever consider fighting MMA style?

Yes. I am very interested in training for MMA competition, although that
requires time and money, which are limited resources.

9) What is the one move that makes you jump outta your seat like someone put a
needle on you seat?

The devastating knockout knee from the Muay Thai clinch position. Wanderlei
Silva probably had the best one when he knocked out Quinton Jackson and sent him
through the ropes.

10) What fight of 2006 would be your pick for fight of the year?

So far I would say the GSP and Hughes fight, although I hope tomorrow night tops
that one.

11) What other types of sports are you into?

Football, boxing, and basketball.

12) Does your family and friends understand why you like MMA?

Yes. Several of my friends are fight fans and we are gathering for the UFC
event tomorrow night. My sister likes the sport as well.

13) Have you listend to our radio show yet, if so thoughts please?

I have not had the chance to listen to it yet, but I am going to
http://www.myspace.com/mmadiscussionsradio later today to see what you have to
say.

Interviewed by Michelle of MMA Discussions

http://www.myspace.com/jordbattousai

1) So whats new how have things been goin for you?well I have a fight coming up for the belt at the santan monica civic center and then up at the cow palace in san fran so im taking things one step at a time

2) Whats fights have gone on since last time we talked N what were the results? My last two fights were against Nam Phan and Ricky Bloom, I went about 10mins with nam which ended in a controversial NC then i won by 1st round knock out against ricky bloom

3) Who and when are you fighting next? Im fighting brett cooper in late feb for the title over at tfa

4) Who did you fight last and what were the results?Ricky Bloom. I won in the 1st round by knock out

5) Whats your trainin schedual been like gettin ready for your next fight? Well ive been bouncing around alot, with bas rutten, chuck, team fight sicence, Brain pertson ect… But for this next fight im going up to Nor cal to train with Tyson Griffin and David Terrell along with my fight team PIT FURY

6) Who is the one person you wanna fight before the year ends and why? I would like to fight Nam again and most likey Jesse Romero just cause we have unfinished business

7) What is gonna be your new yrs resolution? I WILL NOT LOSE!

What is the one thing you want for X-mas but dont think your gonna get it? Ha a family

9) Who are your sponcers? Dakitoes, simi valley work out, pro performance, Fightbreed, 24hr fitness, and some in the works

10) Who do you think has this fight Chuck or Tito and how? Thats really hard to say. Ive trained with both of them and what i see is that tito trains harder but chuck is just a freak. The only way for tito to win is to take chuck down and i just dont see that happening

11) What would be your pick for fight of the year award? The two off ultimate fighter (cant remember the names) But One was hit with a body shot and about to go out then out of no where threw one last despreate puch that knocked the other guy out. Truely amazing

12) What do you guys do for fun out where you stay? Shit seems like i train all day and party all night. I live in simi valley, right by hollywood, santa monica, shit everything.

13) Where is the one place youd love to be right now?
Training

Interviewed by Nicole of MMA Discussions

This “13 Questions” is of Sami “the Hun” Berik, a pro fighter out of the United Kingdom. His home page is: www.samiberik.com. His myspace profile link is: http://www.myspace.com/samihun. A unique BONUS to this 13 Q’s is an AMAZING video created by Sami’s brother. Check it out at: www.samiberik.com/punk.wmv

1. How are you involved in MMA?

I’m a fighter.

2. What styles have you trained in?

Wing chun, san-shou, Wu Dan Tai chi, BJJ, Parkour (beginner)

3. What sparked your interest in the sport?

The concept of fighting itself, when we know the start and the finish, and both agree to the rules. It’s universal. Everyone can appreciate whoever fights, whether be it royalty or a tramp. In between the bells we will both be equal side by side.

4. Do you have a favorite style? A favorite move?

Super duper left hook… see it come from a mile but still…. Hahaha
Perfecting my rising phoenix though…..sooooon
(the force is strong with this one)…….

5. What are some things that you would like to see
change in MMA?

For people to become more knowledgeable about the sport and understand the respect involved.

6. Are there any fighters/trainers who you find
inspiring?

I’m not going to name any caus I don’t have enough room, and I know I would miss some. BUT… Neil Rosiak , Eddie Kone ( no words to describe how much I thank them for their guidance)

7. Which fight of yours was most memorable?

There’s a few!
My first fight, because it was the leap of faith in my fighting. I never went through semi pro, but got into pro by e-mail finally, after being refused a few times. It was more of a turning point, and was a big decision in my life.

8. Out of all the fights you have watched (either in
person, or televised), which one stands out in your
mind the most? Why?

Melvin Manhoef vs Evangelista Santos. Watched it live, The result didn’t matter.

9. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to
continue training. What has been your primary
motivation?

To be among the best ever.

10. If you had all the resources you could ever need,
what would you like to accomplish in MMA?

I want to change the way people look at a fight and understand the intensity.
I refuse to fight for just peoples entertainment. I use it as a platform to improve myself.
I’m going to inspire lots of people to be better people.

11. Do you have any special dieting or training
methods?

I don’t have any special diet. Just my mum’s cooking…. That’s special in it’s own way.
I like to use ankleweights and kettlebells. Help me strengthen my lines and understand how to better generate momentum.

12. What are some other things you enjoy doing with your time?

Computer games, from Spectrum +3, C64, Amstrad 464,Amiga 500, Snes, Megadrive, PS1 PS2, Xbox (360)
Can’t beat the classics though, Was harder game play. Lucasarts had my favourite. Like secret of monkey island,
Like watching movies. Some also inspired me to train better.
Drunken master the first 3 wong fei-hung movies, fighter in the wind, fist of legend, Fong sai-yuk, Fearless, B13.

13. Are there any future fights you would like to mention, so we can keep an eye out for you?

Im going to fight a HW in Nov 07
And look out for Bloodline towards end of 2007 its also bout what my team will do to the scene heheheee

Is there anything else you would like to add? Or,
sponsors you would like to mention?

Shaolin punk, Thermolife, harcore fightgear, powerseekers.

Be sure to add Sami “the Hun” Berik to your friends list!

Interviewed by Angela of MMA Discussions

http://www.myspace.com/killer_b_47

1. How did you get involved in MMA? I started out taking Tae Kwon Do in highschool. Once i came to college in arizona i went to a fight and realized that i wanted to step in the cage and test my skills. I got in touch with the right people and they made it happen.

2. What is your current record and weight class? My record is 17-8-0. I fight at both 155 and 170

3. What team do you train under and who are your trainers? I fight for the Arizona Center of Mixed Martial Arts… My original teacher was Steve Hochuli. He’s the genius behind my BJJ foundation. Marc Zee is my current trainer and the head instructor at ACMMA

4. What types of fighting styles do you want to learn that you haven’t yet? I would really like to get a little bit better and wrestling and judo. My BJJ and standup are both pretty solid but i could always improve.

5. Who would you like to learn from? Anyone that can me better

6. Who are your sponsors? Rage N Glory fight gear

7. Who would you like to get into the cage with? I’d love a rematch with bart Palaszewski. Ive actually got a laundry list of fighters… but at the moment my fight career is on hold until i get out of the military

8. Do you hold or have held any belts? I currently hold the 155 lb belt and the 170 lb belt at Rage in the Cage. I am also the former 170 lb belt holder for the XCF: Havoc in Havasu

9. What are your hobbies and/or interests outside of the octagon? Lol Beer Pong and stayin in shape. I know those two things dont go together very well but i make it work

10. Which one of your fights was the biggest win and why? Probably beating Shannon Ritch. I was such a huge underdog going into that fight and i ended up arm barring him in a minute and a half.

11. UFC66….Chuck or Tito? Tito

12. When and where is your next fight?

13. What are your hopes and dreams for the future in the MMA world? My dream is to get back into MMA when im done with the military and make it to the UFC!!! Im so close right now but i honestly feel like theres more out there in this life than fighting that will grant me greater fulfillment. Ive wanted to be a soldier since i was old enough to walk so me joining is a pursuit of a life long dream. I will be back tho. Mark my words I’ll be back

Interviewed by Angela of MMA Discussions

http://www.myspace.com/57892420

1. What got you started in MMA?
the life long passion to fight for competition plus the fact that it finally became legal in the u.s. when i was a teenager….that helped!

2. What is your current record and weight class?
amateur:3-0 & pro:1-0, i fight @ 170 & 185 (wltr & mid)

3. Are you part of a team?
yes, MMAthmatix Fight Team out of Austin, Tx.!

4. Who have you trained with and/or would like to train with?
Team Fantastic, Lions Den, Grapplers Domain & Paul Buenitello. i would like to train with Frank Shamrock!

5. Who are your heros, idols, or people who inspire you?
Rickson Gracie, Frank Shamrock, B.J. Penn & Fedor (Duh)!

6. Are there any other fighting styles that you would like to learn?
just more kick boxing….i’m in the process though!

7. What is your nickname and how did you get it?
uhh, dont really have one yet! dont need one though!

8. What are some of your accomplishments?
my first & only pro fight i landed a 16 sec submission victory on a 6-0 fighter! …also, i didn’t lose any amateurs either.

9. What advantages do you have over your opponents?
i am a thinker! also i am just really hard to hurt for strikers and the grounds my home. and, i evolve fast and never let up on conditioning and training….im hungry!

10. What would you say your strengths are?
an iorn will and a true understanding of the over all mental aspects of the fight game!

11. What are your hobbies or interests outside of the octagon?
video games and just hanging out with my peepz!

12. What are some fun facts about you?
i’m agnostic, missing two origional front teeth, multiple felon & I STAND WHEN I PEE!

13. Where do you want your career in MMA to go?
to the moon….Pride FC Grand Prix Finals (someday!)

Thank you so much for your time! Feel free to add any additional information or shout outs at the end!
Angela

thanx angela, please let me know when and where i can see this posted or published. holla!

Interviewed by Nor Remorse

http://www.knoxxgear.com

01) Thanks for your time. What’s new with KNOXX Gear?

There are many new things going on with KNOXX. We are
revamping
our website, creating new designs, working on a branding strategy for
Chute Boxe USA which includes a logo re-design and clothing line, and
always researching new products for market..

02) For those who do not know what KNOXX is, can you give us the run down?

KNOXX is dedicated to designing products for individuals with
independent
thought that walk a path away from the status quo.
KNOXX pays homage to that journey by redefining that RENEGADE HERITAGE.

“KNOXX IS A RENEGADE LIFESTYLE”

Our clothing is inspired by what we call the Renegade Lifestyle. We
thought about “What would still be considered a renegade in our current
society?” What came to the forefront were fighters, DJs, models and
Go-Go
dancers. All these occupations would frowned upon by our parents
followed
by a slap upside the head.

So KNOXX creates and designs products for people that want to be
different, dare to stand out, and also look good living life.

03) Can you tell us some history about KNOXX and how it got
started?

There are 3 guys that started KNOXX and we love the sport. I
trained in the martial arts also so I know a lot of people that are in
the
fight network or industry in Northern CA. Everyone I knew always
talked about how no one was able to find nice looking gear that caters
to
the fight scene so KNOXX was formed to create these products
for these people

04) What are some short-term goals you’d like to achieve by the end
of the year?
We want our customers and fans to enjoy our KNOXX products and
in turn will continue to support us. We are concentrating on
finishing our latest designs in order to have them ready for 2007.

05) Any long term goals for KNOXX Gear?

We constantly think about ways to solidify the KNOXX brand
image.
So our long term goal is simply to do whatever it takes to make
KNOXX successful.

06) KNOXX seems to be involved alot with music, can you tell us how
that is all tied in?

Our clothing is designed for the Renegade Lifestyle. So the djs,
models and go-go dancers that are doing big things in their careers
getting the recognition they deserve. They work hard because they
love what they do, sometimes in addition to a 9-5 job. Pro fighters,
musicians, djs, models, go-go dancing are all players in fields of
entertainment that we all love.
KNOXX believes that they all tie together, we are catering to the
demographic that feels the same way.

07) What can you tell us about you personally, tell us more about
the person behind KNOXX…
There are 3 founders of KNOXX and we each hold different roles and
responsiblities. Theres an artist, Al Calmerin, that has been doing
artwork and designs for mainstream brands, smaller underground
skateboarding companies, and music companies, Alan Palomares has
experience in sales, marketing, design and manufacturing clothing
products, and Damon Gee also has experience in sales, marketing,
management and also loves to train in the martial arts. We are very
different individuals that came together to try to tie it all together
in a new fresh way.

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

I start getting MMA after watching the early UFC. Back then
there
were a lot less rules and it was interesting watching traditional
martial arts showcase their style against another style. Its an
exciting sport and I respect the fighters alot because they
dedicate a lot of time and energy to do what they do in the ring.

09) What fighters, if any, do you admire or look up to?

I would say that I admire all professional fighters in general
because I see their training schedules and how hard it is to try to
make
it to the top

10) If you could see ANY MMA fight, who would it be?

There are so many fighters that I would love to see matched up.
I wouldnt mind watching Rampage and Chuck Liddel fight each other
again. I think that fight might actually happen very soon. I
would like to see a lot of Pride fighters get matched up with the UFC
fighters also there are just too many I would like to see to
just name one.

11) What are your thoughts on the current state of Mixed Martial
Arts and how big it’s getting?

I think its great that MMA is growing so fast. It a very
exciting
sport and I still consider this just the baby stage still. I’m sure
it
will get a lot bigger than it is now, like 10 times bigger

12) Can you tell us some of the names of fighters who are sponsored
by KNOXX?

KNOXX currently sponsors Cung Le, Josh Thomson, Paul
Buentello,
Nam Phan, Kit Cope and Alessio Sakara.

13) Thanks for your time! Feel free to say anything else you’d like
and don’t forget your plugs!

Thanks to all the supporters that have
purchased our gear or have visited us at our booths at the fights or
shows. Thanks to our fighters, Cung Le(cungle.com), Josh
Thomson(joshthomson.com), Paul Buentello(paulbuentello.com), Nam
Phan(iamnam.com), Kit Cope(kitcope.com), Cung Le’s USH fight team
,Travis Johnson, Sam Hoger, Chute Boxe USA, and Alessio Sakara. Thanks to our
Bay Area DJs, E-Rock, Zhaldee and Ajaxx and our spokesmodel Alexia
Lei(alexialei.com), Cung Le Martial Arts, One World Martial Arts, Nor
Cal Fight Factory, American Kickboxing
Academy, 360 Self Defense, Strongvon.com, Strikeforce
Promotions(strikeforceusa.net), Ultimatefightnight.tv, radio stations
street teams Wild 94.9, Energy’s 92.7 , KDON 102.5 and FAHRENHEIT Ultra
Lounge in San Jose(fultralounge.com)

Interviewed by Michelle of MMA Discussions

http://www.myspace.com/thickskinmma

1) Tell the ppl who dont know about you who you are and what you do?

Right now i am just a huge MMA fan who is starting a clothing company. If anybody has ever started a business, they know that it takes a lot of hard work to get a business up and running. So thats pretty much yaking up all of my time.

2) Tell us a lill about your Mixed Martial Arts clothing company?

We are still at the beginning of our career. We are working on getting a business loan so we can finally put out a whole line of clothing. As soon as we do that we will launch our website.

3) What type of ppl do you like to see wear your clothes?

Fighters and Fans are the people we are catering to.

4) Who are your sponsors and or who do you sponsor?

Right now we are sponsoring 3 fighters. Aaron Wayne, Mario Gomez, and Bret Whitley. All we can afford to do for them right now is hook them up with gear. Once we get past the point where we can pay ourselves, then we will start paying our fighters what they deserve. And as our business grows, we will be adding more fighters to our team.

5) Tell us about your trip to the fights in New Mexico?

That was a very interesting trip to say the least. One of our friends was a judge at the fights so we thought what the hell, lets go check it out. The fights were in a town called Lordsburg, Which is about a 6 hour drive from where I live. On the way there we were in Phoenix driving in the carpool lane and we hit a couch cushion in the middle of the road. We drove over the top of it, and the car directly behind us ran it over. It went fly8ing over the car behind it, and hit the car behind that one right in the windshield. that was pretty funny. We finally got to Lordsburg, and it looked like a place where you would get some type of desease as soon as you stepped out of the car. We checked into our hotel and went right to the fight venue. The cage was really small, so all of the fights were mostly ground fights. Thats where we saw Gomez fight to a very impressive win. All of the fights were very entertaining and only 1 made it past the first round. I was pretty skeptical when I got there, but it was a good time.

6) How do you come up with some of the ideas for your work?

They just come to me. I go months without any, then all of the sudden, I get 10 all at once. We are focusing on putting out great designs that will hang with the best of them.

7) What would be your pick for fight of the year and why?

I can’t pick a fight of the year. I have a lot of favorites. Rich Franklin vs. David Loiseau was awesome.
Matt Hughes and BJ Penn was good to, as well as Hughes vs. St. Pierre. Kendall Grove vs. Ed herman was awesome. Sanchez vs. Parisyan, Fickett vs. Parisyan. I could go on. To many good fights to choose from.
Where is the one place youd rather be for Christmas?

Somewhere warmer than here, I don’t care where. Flagstaff, AZ is flippen cold.

9) What is it that draws you to MMA so?

The purity of the sport. 80 % of the time it is always exciting to watch. It takes so much skill and athleticismto compete at that level. It’s the greatest sport ever.

10) Whats your pick for the fight between Chuck and Tito and how will they win?

Liddell, first round knock out. I am a big fan of Tito too, I just don’t see anyone beating Liddell right now.

11) Who do you think should go after GSP for the title?

Good question, I don’t know. He is on top of his game right now. I don’t think Sanchez is ready yet. And I am getting sick of immediate rematches.

12) What other sports do you follow?

Offroad motorsports, Like motocross and Supercross. Offroad racing like Baja 1000 and stuff like that.

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

I think its awesome. Soon the fighters will be getting paid what they deserve. I just hope and prey that Dana White won’t hire people like Kurt Angle or any WWE guys for that matter. I think that would severly damge the sport.

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

Thanks
Jesse
owner
Thick skin inD.