On Saturday, Sept. 16 in Salt Lake City, two 40-something
mixed martial artists will meet in their final pro match. Undefeated JohnValentine, 47, (above) who lives in Las Vegas but has been a fixture in Northern Utah
mixed martial arts for a long while not just as a professional athlete but as a an MMA coach, female MMA matchmaker and television cageside commentator.
He meets Rowdy Akers, 42, who trains out of One Hit MMA in Layton. It's the
co-main event for the SteelFist MMA card at the Riverbend Sports Complex.
We chatted with Valentine, who was given the moniker
"The Machine," recently, talking with him about preparations for the
bout. (Next week we'll have a chat with Akers.) (The pair are seen below in the past with Valentine, as a commentator with SteelFist, interviewing Akers).
"It's been a challenge, but I've probably trained harder for this fight than other fight," says Valentine, who works full time as an Area Manager in Bio Therapeutics medical industry helping doctors diagnose and treat rare diseases. The medical field is something John knows well as he holds a bachelors degree in science in molecular biology with minor in organic chemistry.
"Contrary to what everyone thinks this fight's not
about Rowdy. ... I'm fighting myself," Valentine adds. Pushing himself,
trying to be the best he can be, is the goal. That involves dieting, weight
lifting, several miles of roadwork a day and long sessions at the gym after
work is over. For his final fight he wanted it to be at SteelFist, where he
started his pro career.
"(Really), my time is over (in MMA)," he said. His goal is helping his kids, who have their own sports to work hard at. He wants to help them improve. His sons have already competed, and succeeded, at North American Grappling Association (NAGA) wrestling tournaments and in gymnastics and have one at the highest levels his youngest securing the national championship in jujitsu at 6 years old. Their names are JT, Kyle, Cody, and Austin. (In the picture above, from left, Kyle, Cody and JT show wrestling medals. Austin is involved in gymnastics.)
When he
looks at his boys, he thinks about why he must give them his attention and support. John grew up in poverty with a 16-year-old single mom who was kicked out
of her home when she became pregnant with him. Alone and on their own his mom
never quit and worked hard for the family and a stepdad who later entered their
life and made it better, and eventually legally adopting John who now carries
his last name.
"My parents are Jim Valentine and Kathy Valentine.
"My mom was a amazing waitress, my dad a hardworking warehouseman. My mom
had me when she was very very young and My step-father at the time gave us hope
and love and legally adopted me. Jim a Vietnam veteran, worked two jobs to give
us a better life. I only use stepfather in the context of the article as he is
the only father that I've ever known and I love him. On September 16 you will
feel his influence as When my father first came into my life we would sit alone
in a room as a child and I would watch him play 'Simple Man' on the
guitar. It was a reminder to chase your dreams but stay true to who you are as
a person and live and love in a simple way," Valentine shared.
"That song is what I walk out to before every fight. It
reminds me of who I am, where I came from and what I must do as I enter the
cage," Valentine said.
Jim his father (seen with John before a fight above) has always walked behind him when he enters the cage and rarely misses an event, he added and will be there doing the same for this final chapter.
Valentine, a decorated wrestler since age 6, has accomplished a lot. After over 11 years of Trainjng he's a four-stripe brown belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu under renowned world champion and UFC veteran Robert Drysdale, he is a Kru in Muay Thai under Sakasem Kanthawong, of Salt Lake City. He holds an Idaho judo state championship and has earned dozens of grappling medals and title belts. He's a world class competitor, earning a bronze medal this year in jiu jitsu at the Pan American Games and winning major International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) tournaments such as the Las Vegas Open just a few months back, doing so while competing against opponents that were two weight classes larger.
While he's retiring he will still be competing in the cage in
"Submission Only" grappling events. The next is scheduled for
November 11 hosted by UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture's event to benefit his
military charity foundation. Last year John was one of the schedule super
fights and won in less than 90 seconds unfortunately sending his opponent to
the hospital via an inverted heel hook submission. He was asked back and like
last year it is expected it will also be televised on NBC Sports.
But back to the bout against Akers. Drysdale, is a daily
influence as chief trainer. "Every day I get a text from him, checking on
how I'm doing and he's in an amazing, loyal and dedicated coach to his students
and team," He says. Valentine, at 47, is aware of how important training
is, of getting his cardio as strong as possible."because I have only had
to go into the second round one time in my fights does not mean I don't have
good cardio....I train anticipating always a three round battle which allows me
to be both patient and explosive when need be." he adds.
And preparing for this fight like many others John (seen above in a previous bout) assembles what he calls a "dream team" of trainers. Others working to get Valentine ready are world and Pan American champ Moises Antonio Lopez whose responsible for developing John's leg lock training. Striking coaches are UFC coach Ken Hahn (responsible for working with the likes of Frank Mir UFC champ) and Kyle Reyes, an MMA standout. On wrestling, Valentine benefits from the expertise of French MMA superstar Bendy Casimir. Also, Ju jitsu ace Chase Shafter and finally Chris Bateman, a fighter from Idaho, and is a valued coach always ready to help, Valentine adds.
The centerpiece and the glue that puts it all together will
be none other than Utah resident , Brazilian jujitsu black belt Brandon Guzzo,
a friend and coach, who has trained likes of UFC vets Court McGee and Steven
Siler, also trains Valentine and will be in his corner. "Brandon helps
calm me down. he simplifies things,". "We have been friends for 31
years and competed and grew up together as children. No other coach,
friend or man alive knows my motivators, my fears, my demons, and what it takes
for me to be the best on fight night and I am honored to have them in my corner
that night for my final chapter." Valentine added
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Valentine always gives back to different charities for his
fights and events. One of his efforts as the fight approaches is Kimonos forKai, an effort to better understand and prevent teen suicide. John does not make
any money in the sale of his T-shirts and all of the money raised goes to the
foundation, named after Kai, a victim of suicide, and son to James Wright who
is a long time high school friend. Kai was a combat sports athlete, and his dad
keeps his memory alive to help others, something that Valentine really admires.
"He was an amazing kid and Jiu Jitsu practitioner. Also, (please contact) his father and my friend, James Wright, to learn how to help and he can give you talking points for you to discuss with your children," Valentine added. (Photo above shows Kai and his father James Wright.)
Another pre-fight effort initiated by Valentine is raising money to help persons who can't afford to attend the fights be able to be there. To date a lot was raised and many people who usually couldn't afford the fights will be there on Sept. 16 thanks to the donations. He mentions his friend Christine Dennis, a partner in Tapp Fitness, as one of the valued sponsors.
It's a dual retirement fight for Valentine and Akers. For
Valentine, he'll carry on in grappling and jiu jitsu, training with his sons in
the endeavors they choose to pursue, and like any proud parent, getting the
most satisfaction from their achievements.
As John notes, watching them succeed reminds him of two
hard-working role models, a mom and dad who worked hard to make sure a young
boy was able to achieve his dreams and taught him always to Believe and that I
could accomplish anything. “It’s time for me to step away and help make them
the best versions of themselves as athletes and young men." (Photo below shows Valentine (at right) forcing a tap out in a recent bout.)
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More events: Remember that Louie's Boxing Gym Fundraiser is Sept. 10 at Jordan Park (1060 S. 900 West, SW Pavilion) in Salt Lake City from noon to 5 p.m. From 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. boxing champ Jose Haro will meet and greet fans.
Also, on Saturday, Sept. 9 Lights Out Boxing gym in Clearfield will have a yard sale and plate fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1548E 925 South in Clearfield. It's an effort to raise funds prior to the gym's planned move to the Clearfield Aquatic Center. There will also be a raffle ($5) for a bounce house ticket.
Finally, local MMA pro Mike Jones' scheduled bout with LFA promotions this month is off as his opponent pulled out.
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