Irish Whip Fighting Exclusive: Jon Fitch Interview

IrishWhipFighting.com had a chance to speak to UFC Welterweight Jon Fitch. Fitch is quickly climbing up the welterweight ranks and has had much success in the UFC thus far. See what Fitch has to say about his experiences as a fighter and his upcoming fight against Diego Sanchez at UFC 76 on September 22.

Hey Jon, thanks for taking the time to take this interview. We here at Irish Whip Fighting are huge fans and cannot thank you enough for your support! Irish Whip Fighting would also like to congratulate you for your dominating performance at UFN 10 and racking up another jaw-dropping victory over Roan Carneiro.

General...
Masson Liang: What influenced you to start a career in mixed martial arts?
Jon Fitch: My assistant coach at Purdue University, Tom Erikson, was fighting in Pride at the time. He would have Gary Goodridge and Mark Coleman come into town and help him train. It looked like fun so I would get involved and help out. I’ve been hooked ever since.

ML: Who are your biggest influences/heroes in MMA today?
JF: My trainers and team mates.

ML: Who has been your toughest opponent thus far and what do you consider the biggest/best win of your nearly flawless record?
JF: Kinyuoshi Hironaka was one of the toughest guys I’ve fought. He seemed like nothing I did to him hurt him. Carneiro was a difficult fight because of his size and strength.

UFC...
ML: Climbing up quickly in the rankings among top fighters in the welterweight division (i.e. GSP, Matt Hughes, Matt Serra, Karo Parisyan), whom do you look forward to fighting the most in the near future?
JF: All of them. I want to fight all of the best fighters in the world. I’m not one of those fighters that want to be famous and have a title but not really ever fight the best competition. I would rather never be heard of and beat all the best guys. At the end of the day I only care about how I feel about myself.

ML: You said you felt "demoted" for not being featured on the main cards of the UFC events, how does it feel to finally be bumped into UFC 76's main card?
JF: It’s great because it allows me to get the fights I want. Many of the top fighters didn’t want to fight me because no one had ever heard of me. Now they won’t have a choice but to take the fights with me.

ML: After Diego Sanchez's first loss to the hands of Josh Koscheck at UFC 69, did you spot any weaknesses of Diego's that you're prepared to capitalize on at UFC 76?
JF: I have been studying Diego, and many other top fighters, for a long time now and have game plans for most of them already. Everyone has weaknesses in their game; it’s just a matter of exploiting them.

ML: Have you taken any drastic changes in your training regimen in preparation for Diego Sanchez? Has training gone fairly smoothly and injury free thus far?
JF: I have a great team and system for my training. I have no reason to make major changes to it. I have been working with some very good south paws and wrestlers to help me prepare specifically for Diego.

ML: Rumors surfacing in June claimed that you were originally set to face Karo Parisyan at UFC 76. With Sanchez as your newly confirmed opponent for UFC 76, is a match-up against Karo Parisyan still in the works for the near future?
JF: Like I said before, I want to fight all the best fighters. I think that Karo is one of the best, so he is still definitely on the list of guys I want to fight someday.

ML: Having Wilson Gouveia now in the UFC, can Fitch fans look forward to you avenging that loss in a rematch anytime soon?
JF: Not very likely. Wilson has gotten much bigger since our fight and I have gotten much smaller. I don’t see this fight ever happening. I actually owe a big thanks to Wilson. If he wouldn’t have knocked me out that night I might not have started on the path I am on today.

ML: Not to put you on the spot or anything, but who are you rooting for in the Couture-Gonzaga fight for UFC 74 and the Jackson-Henderson fight for UFC 75?
JF: I don’t really root for anyone to win fights other than team mates. I just want to see great fights and maybe some techniques that I might not have seen before.

Training...
ML: Recently returning from Japan, how were your experiences over there and did you get a chance to train at all or was it just a good ol' vacation?
JF: It was a great experience. I got to train with Kastsuhiko Nagata, who I went there to corner at K-1 Heros. I also got to train with former opponent Hironaka. I also got to meet and hang out with Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto, which was a crazy experience. Kid is as famous in Tokyo as Shaq is in Miami.

ML: Have you trained at camps anywhere outside of the U.S.? If not, is there any place you have your eyes set on to go train in the future?
JF: I got to visit a few gyms on Japan and it is possible that I would go and train for a short time at the Killer Bee's gym. For the most part though I feel that my gym, the American Kickboxing Academy, is one of the best gyms in the world and there is no reason to train anywhere else.

ML: Is there anyone out there that you'd absolutely love to train with?
JF: I would love to train with Aoki, he ground game is amazing and I think it would be a good experience to roll with him.

Misc...
ML: Taking a quick peek around Irish Whip Fighting, what do you think of the site?
JF: I think it has a good look, but could use much more news about me. hehehe.

ML: Are there any last words you'd like to say to the hardcore Fitch fans out there? Sponsors to thank?
JF: I would like to thank Toe2Toe.tv and jigsaw inc. Also check out my website at fitchfighter.com

We at the Irish Whip Fighting team cannot thank you enough for taking the time for doing this interview and we all wish you the best of luck against Diego Sanchez at UFC 76 on Sept. 22 and look forward to seeing you add another loss to his record!

The Lianger

Read More...

Irish Whip Fighting Exclusive: Denis Kang Interview

Denis Kang is one of the top contenders in the 185lbs division in MMA today. Kang is a French-Korean fighter and holds a professional record of 27-8-1. Kang is best known for his explosiveness and well-rounded style of fighting and also holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Kang's most notable wins thus far have been against Akihiro Gono, Murilo "Ninja" Rua, Andrei Semenov and UFC veteran Amar Suloev.

Denis Kang has fought his most recent fights in PRIDE and is currently a free agent. Kang has been kind enough to take the time to answer a few questions for Irish Whip Fighting.

Masson Liang: What promotions have you narrowed it down to?
Denis Kang: Sorry man can’t talk about that.

MMA life…
ML: With that aside, you put on an incredible performance at Bushido 13 losing a razor-thin decision; you must be itching for a rematch. Is there a possibility for fans to witness a Kang vs. Misaki II anytime soon?
DK: There definitely could be, because I would jump at the opportunity to fight him again.

ML: Who is your toughest opponent thus far?
DK: Probably Andrei Semenov. I hit this guy with everything and he kept coming.

ML: Have you fought anyone you truly disliked? How did that affect your performance?
DK: I've never made my fights personal so no.

ML: Considered by many to be one of the top 185 pounders in the world, where do you rank yourself in the 185lbs. division?
DK: I think I can be the best in the world. Right now Henderson is number one for sure but I firmly believe I am very close.

Training….
ML: Have you trained at camps anywhere outside of the US (besides Japan for PRIDE and Korea for Spirit MC)? If not, is there any place you have your eyes set on to go train in the future?
DK: I love ATT and I don’t plan on going anywhere else.

ML: Who in mixed martial arts today do you look up to the most? Are there any fighters out there you'd love to train with?
DK: Fedor Emelianenko and Antonio “Minotauro” Nogueira.

ML: Joining ATT in Jan. '05, how has training changed from your ways before ATT?
DK: I have a lot more training partners now, and many coaches to work on every aspect of my game. It's great to have so many other pro fighters to train with every single day.

ML: How big of a factor do you think the mental aspect is in preparation for a fight? How do you usually prepare yourself mentally for a fight?
DK: The mental aspect is everything you could say. I don’t care how good you are if you cant hold it together in the ring you will get beat by a much lesser fighter.

ML: Do you pay any attention to rumors and negative feedback that may arise time to time on the Internet?
DK: Nope.

ML: Do you have any words of encouragement for young fighters out there looking to pursue a career in mixed martial arts?
DK: Keep training and thriving for improvement in every area of your game.

UFC…
ML: Being acquainted with Dan Henderson, have you gotten a chance to help him train at all for his upcoming title bout against UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton "Rampage" Jackson?
DK: I've spoken to him a few times but I have never trained with him.

ML: Should fans expect to see you in attendance at UFC 75, where Henderson is set to face Jackson?
DK: Maybe, it depends on my schedule.

ML: Hardcore MMA fans around the world are dying to see you step foot in the Octagon, how are chances of you joining the UFC looking these days?
DK: I would love to fight in the Octagon one day.

Other…
ML: Where do you see the sports of mixed martial arts in 5 years?
DK: 5 times bigger than it is now, haha.

ML: Taking a look around the Irish Whip, what do you think of the site?
DK: I like it. It seems very informative and easy to navigate.

ML: Are there any last words you'd like to say to the "Super Korean" Kang junkies out there? Sponsors?
DK: Thanks for the support throughout the years. I know I haven’t fought that much in 07 but it ain’t over yet and I will be in action soon!

We here at Irish Whip Fighting cannot thank Denis Kang enough for his support and time he took to answer our questions. We wish him the best in the future, wherever he may end up fighting!

Read More...

An Irish Whip Exclusive: UFC Ring Girl, Arianny Celeste Interview

The Lianger here, stirring up yet another Irish Whip exclusive interview. Who you ask? None other than UFC's resident hottie and number one ring girl, Arianny Celeste. Yeah, so wipe that drool off your face and read what Arianny has to say about the UFC as she gives Irish Whip fans a "backstage pass!"

General Questions...

Masson Liang: So I’m sure all the guys out there are dying to know, are you single now?
Arianny Celeste: YES

ML: As a ring girl, what attracted you to the MMA scene as opposed to boxing?
AC: It's exciting, there’s more than just guys punching each other. The different techniques and styles keeps me on edge!

ML: I'm sure that a transitional period was necessary when getting accustomed to the job. How friendly was the UFC in that respect?
AC: UFC took me in like part of the family...Everyone I work with is awesome and my UFC mom Leslie makes sure I have anything and everything I want or need!

ML: If you weren't a ring girl, what do you think you'd be doing instead?
AC: I would still be modeling here and there but I would still be going to school full time. I’m almost done with my degree but because of my crazy schedule I’ve had to take time off. I’m happy about it...I’m living life to the fullest and enjoying every minute of it!

ML: There's this ongoing dilemma about MMA overtaking boxing in years to come, what's your personal outlook on the situation?
AC: I think MMA is definitely taking over. I ordered the last boxing match against De La Hoya and Mayweather and I was really disappointed that I spent 60 bucks on it....haha.

ML: I couldn't help but notice that you posted many parts of "Pride Fighting Decade" on Dailymotion.com, have you been a long time PRIDE junkie even before your UFC days?
AC: I’ve been a fan of all MMA for a while now.

ML: On that note, have you gotten a chance to meet the recent Pride additions to the UFC such as Heath Herring, Mirko Cro Cop, Nogueira, and Mauricio Shogun Rua?
AC: The only one I’ve met is Nogueira...very intimidating but very nice guy!

ML: What do you think of the recent flood of women into the MMA scene, fighters such as: Gina Carano or Julie Kedzie?
AC: I think it’s awesome...it's all about women power!!

ML: Do you train any MMA personally? If so, have you ever had to 'throwdown' and use your skills to fend off jerks hitting on you? If not, have you ever looked into training as a hobby?
AC: I train at the UFC gym in Vegas with a trainer 4-5 times a week if I’m in town. We do cardio, weights, and boxing. Its fun and I definitely feel like I could defend myself if I had to!

On the job...

ML: How often do you get hit on at the UFC events?
AC: Not very often but if I do I usually don’t pay attention because it’s a loud obnoxious guy.

ML: What would you do if you fell while walking around The Octagon?
AC: John McCarthy almost pushed me off at a fight night in Vegas. I literally flew off the edge of the octagon but I reached for his shoulders and held on for dear life. We still laugh about it till this day! I'd defiantly be pretty embarrassed.

ML: Also, have you ever had an urge to pick a wedgie on the job? If so, how did you handle that?
AC: Haha yes...and I just pick it!

ML: What is your most embarrassing story while on the job?
AC: The John McCarthy one.

ML: Do you find that guys are threatened to be with you because of your job?
AC: Most guys are jealous and insecure. I don’t have time for that so I'd rather just be single and have fun and focus on myself.

ML: What is your all time favorite MMA fight?
AC: Hard Question but there is two that pop in my head.... Randy Couture vs. Tim Sylvia and Roger Huerta vs. Leonard Garcia. They were both jam packed with action and had me jumping out of my seat!

ML: Last but not least, who is your all time favorite fighter?
AC: A couple of my favorite fighters are GSP, Couture, Liddell, Rampage, and Anderson Silva. They are all skilled athletes!!

ML: Well Arianny, I can't thank you enough for your time and we here at the Irish Whip wish you the best!
AC: Thanks a lot!

*Catch The Irish Whip's Arianny Gallery Here!

Read More...