Age: 24
Height:5'6
Fight Weight:135
Fight Team:Shaolin Kempo Martial Arts/The Bushido Jiu-Jitsu Academy(Team Pedro Sauer)
Fight Record: 0 - 1
City/State Born: Vernon CT
1. When and Why did you get into MMA??
I really started liking MMA when I started watching WEC on spike tv. I was like "oh cool, the smaller guys are fighting now" I really appreciated the athleticism and strategy. My father also has been a lifelong martial artist which encouraged me to train.
2. Do you have a background in martial arts, boxing , wrestling etc?
Since I was young my father would sometimes show me kung fu, and taekwando techniques.
My real training began 4 years ago at Shaolin Kempo Martial Arts.
3. What's you nickname, how did you get it?
I think Jesse Camp wants to pick one for me, haha.
4. What are your ultimate goals in the sport
To push personal limits and exceed current physical and mental boundaries.
5. What do you think about your next opponent?
I respect any person who's willing to go to war. I hope he's as prepared as I am.
6. How do you see the fight going/being finished?
Death.
7. What weight do you walk at/how much do you cut to fight?
I'm not sure I've ever weighed more than 155. Without diet restrictions, I walk around 150.
8. What's your favorite part about fighting?
The people you meet in gyms and training.
Such motivated, strong, and interesting people.
I also love the violence and athleticism.
9. What's the worst part about fighting?
cauliflower ear and getting blood tests
10. Anyone locally or in the big's that you really would love to fight, and why?
I thought fighting jeff emil would be fun. He beat me up and made me cry.
11. What do you feel is your best weapon in your fights?
My unorthodox striking, aggression and athleticism.
12. What is your favorite foods that you miss while cutting weight??
Ben and Jerry's strawberry cheesecake ice cream, donuts, and cake.
13. What is your most memorable moment to date in MMA??
My first weight cut was horrific. I didn't know anything about it. I didn't eat or drink anything all morning and then I ran 10 miles on a treadmill in a sauna suit. Good Times.
14. How else do you spend your time when you are not training??
I'm in a metal band and a party animal, I play a lot of violent video games, watch movies, and spend a lot of time with family and friends.
15. What do you do for a living besides fighting??
"I hustle every day" - Deez Nutts
I'd like to thank everyone who has supported me or made my life a better place to live.
My Dad has been my biggest support, I can never express how grateful I am. My entire family, Mom, Lori and Michael, Ellie and her wonderful family, Gina, mike & Linz. Sensei Dan and everyone at Shoalin Kempo Martial Arts, Rob Magao and The Bushido Jiu-Jitsu Academy and all the hard working students and instructors, Jeff Emil Haddad for making me cry. The COJ crew, Nathan Hayes, Matt Allen for showing me how important Jiu-Jitsu is, Ken Kaplan @ Kaplan Computers, Pride Of America Painting, Jesse Camp @ Warrior Nation. Everyone who's bought a ticket to watch me fight. Chris Merrow, Carter Ross, Brian Wendus & Fam (miss you guys)The Right Hook, Zach Hayes for being my extreme sports sponsor :P
Everyone at the foster home. And most importantly my higher power, whoever or whatever that may be, I feel Blessed to have the life I have. I fight for myself and all of those who support me. If there's anyone I forgot to mention, Thank you and my appreciation goes far beyond this interview.
Big thanks to Allen for taking the time out of his busy training schedule to answer our questions. I was cage side for his first fight, (in fact that's me and CityBoy in the green WMMMA shirts in this last picture of Allen...) and Allen is a very exciting fighter to watch!! If you haven't got your tickets, get in touch with Allen, any of the other fighters on the card, or contact the Hu-Ke-Lau to get them!! See you all Friday night, for what should be an amazing night of fights, right here in good ol', Western Mass!!
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