John Valentine chats about upcoming bout with Arron Carson

One of the featured super-bouts on Saturday, Nov. 9 in Las Vegas at Sam's Town features John Valentine versus Arron Carson in a submission-only contest. They have fought previously with Valentine earning a win. It's Operation Knockout card, which is designed to help our Troops through Xtreme Couture's G.I. Foundation. 

Valentine, who lives in Las Vegas, enjoyed a long relationship with the Utah Fight Game, overseeing a women's' MMA program at Shadow Valley Gym and working with SteelFist MMA. He also is a former pro MMA fighter who continues in combat sports as a world-class no-submission competitor. We appreciated the opportunity to chat with him about Saturday's bout.

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1) How is training going for the bout? 

Valentine: My training has been solid, strong and consistent.  I changed a few things around this time starting with my lifting and dieting protocols.  I’ve had some really tough training partners who have taken every liberty of beating me up on a daily basis which is what you need to be strong going into the match.

2) What is a typical training day? 

Valentine: Typical training day starts at 4:30 a.m. in the morning six days a week where I lift and get in cardio work.  It can be grueling some days.  In the afternoons following work and family obligations I get in targeted training focused on three disciplines in Jiu Jitsu, Judo and wrestling training from 6-8 p.m. about four days per week.  It’s exhausting but the event and the cause keep me focused and motivated.  A sense of purpose is powerful thing.

3) Tell us about Arron Carson? What are you expecting in the rematch? 

Valentine: First I have nothing but respect for him.  He reached out to me almost a week after our last match last year long before we had another opponent selected and asked for this rematch.  He had some family situations that led him to want to do It again.  His brother, a former vet who walked him out for our last match, passed shortly after that night and Arron wanted to honor his memory and give back to the vets.  I was honored to see this and glad we could make it work.  While he will bring war neither of us care much about winning, simply supporting the vets that night by killing each other live! I know he will bring his A game. 

Our last match he was much stronger than I expected and his wrestling was in point as he slammed me and clearly out-wrestled me in the early part of the match up until I caught in the rolling heel hook.  I expect him to be focused and more aggressive this go round.  At 48 I am over 22 years his elder and I am sure he wants to test my cardio and that’s fine with me.  I have a good game plan and expect nothing but fireworks.  I am honored he stepped up and cares as much as he does.  We both respect each other and I know when the doors close we are not friends again until they open.  That mentality ensures a great show!

4) How has the effort to help the troops gone as the card approaches? 

Valentine: The response has been overwhelming. The arena is almost completely sold out.  Since the fight was announced response from my supporters have been crazy. Once again in the history of the 10-year event with the help of everyone and private donors I was able to generate almost $15,000 for the troops and in the end that’s all that counts, that’s all I care about.  That's a lot of revenue for a sub grappling match. That’s what makes the training, weight loss and grind worth it.  I am humbled that again we broke revenue records.  We all can give back we just need to want to. 

5) What are your fight plans after this? 

Valentine: Following this fight I would like to get 100 percent healthy and either compete in the Jiu Jitsu Pan-American games in March followed by taking another crack at The World Championship in November 2020.  I plan on dropping two weight classes from where I won previously in 2017.  This will take some time to do it correctly.  I also have some grappling super fight options on the horizon I’d like to explore. 

6) Is there anything else you wish to add to our readers?

Valentine: I want to say thank you to my family, friends and coaches at Robert Drysdale Jiu Jitsu.  My cage-side coaches have been with me for years. The decorated black belts, Utah’s own Brandon Guzzo and Gregory Kaleteich, have me laser-focused physically, spiritually and mentally so I thank them for their commitment.  

Most importantly I want to say is thank you, thank you to all of those who stepped up and showed actionable support for our men and women in uniform.  For those who stepped up so that the event could be a success.  I am humbled and honored as is my opponent to put on a show that night for them as well.  We both feel winning or losing really doesn’t matter all that matters is the people in the crowd and that the veterans benefit from one special night.  

Thanks to everyone the Randy Couture Operation Knockout 10 for the Troops will be a success! 

Good luck, John and Arron, we're proud of both of you. 

Boxing, MMA Jiu Jitsu results and more

A quick blog this week:

Some boxing news: There was a pro/am card last weekend at The Complex in SLC. I'm a bit frustrated at not getting results but here is what I have: Undefeated young pro Bladimar Estrada is now 5-0 after logging a win. Female boxer Lisa Carroll was a winner as was amateur boxer Jay Wright of Foley's gym. If we get more results we will share them.

The Complex may have another card in March. Also, as we have mentioned, West Jordan pro boxer, and world ranked featherweight Jose Haro will fight March 17 on ESPN, nationally televised, at Madison Square Garden in New York City against another world-class boxer, Jean Carlos Rivera.

Jiu Jitsu -- As we mentioned last week, John Valentine, who is competing in Jiu Jitsu and has won a world belt, competed professionally in a Submission-Only card alongside his three sons, Cody, James and Kyle, in five-minute bouts. All competed well and you can read about the fights, see photos and watch a video at John Valentine's Facebook page. Valentine went the distance, meaning a draw, with Mark Wegener.

On social media this past week Valentine announced he will have another sub,mission-only bout soon in Utah. We'll keep on top of that.

In MMA, Rowdy Akers, a pro fighter from One Hit MMA, headlined a pro card in Casper, Wyo., but came ups short against Kehlin Rozsel. (You can see a photo spread of the card via the local media here). Unfortunately, Rowdy broke his hand in that bout and will miss a planned March fight.

More info: Amateur MMA fighter Destiny McCubbin will fight at FitCon in April in SLC for a Utah belt. Pro Jarome Hatch is also on that card. Amateur Brandon Rease will be fighting for a Fierce Fighting Championship belt soon. Pro Bryce Edminister of KOA gym plans to fight again soon. Kaecy Raddon, who has relocated to Colorado the past year or so, fights Dean Cotton for the Sparta Combat League amateur featherweight belt in Denver on Feb. 10. 

And remember The SteelFist MMA card this month is on the 24th at the Union Event Center in SLC. Cody Bunderson versus Fabio Serrao is a strong main pro bout but there are a lot of bouts, including a pro bout between Trever Bradshaw and Benjamin Daniel Grass. Here is the promotion's Facebook page.

Former MMA fighter John Valentine on competing with his sons

As readers can see from the above poster, a combat sports dad is sharing the competition with three of his young sons this weekend just outside of Las Vegas, Nevada. It's called Submission Hunter Pro 22, and it's promoted by Eric Garcia. 

My friend John Valentine, who wrapped up a pro MMA career last year, coming up short in a brutal battle with Rowdy Akers, is still competing. He's the current 2017 IBJJF Master Ju Jitsu World Champion and still is a matchmaker for female MMA fighters, and a fight manager.

Besides training, he works full time for a biotheraputic firm as an area manager. Saturday night is "Superfight," submission-only grappling, roughly 30 fights, including Valentine and his sons.

John has shared observations with us about retiring from pro MMA action, his current efforts in Ju Jitsu, and training with his sons.

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How did you know it was time to go from MMA?  That’s a difficult question but the answer for me is that it is time if you truly listen to what your body and mind are telling you then you will know.  Having been involved in competing and fighting since 2000 in fight after fight my body (but definitely not my heart) began to tell me it was time. While as far as stamina goes I knew I could still fight for years to come, however the risks of injury far outweighed the benefits. I knew of the potential dangers and knew it was only a matter of time before some potential irreversible damage occurred.  While my training was always on point, risks were rising with every fight and was it becoming progressively harder to heal each time.  For years I feared the inevitable would come and ironically in a twist of fate on the night I announced my retirement, it did.  On the fateful night of my last MMA fight with my friend and opponent Rowdy Akers, I suffered a concussion early on about 45 seconds in and remember very little on from that point.  As I endured almost 30 elbows to the face and though I went on to “zombie through” 3 grueling and back and forth competitive rounds, the bloody aftermath left me with an unforeseen and brutal outcome.  I suffered 29 stitches to my face internally and externally, a broken nose as well as a fractured orbital and lost my normal speech for days following leaving the hospital.  In addition, my short-term memory is and may not likely ever be the same as it was before that night.  To make matters worse, the many friends and family (most notably my four young sons) that had gathered to support me that night had to watch as I tried to fight and stand up in the cage only to slip and fall in puddles of my own blood.  That night solidified in my mind the risk of continuing on in the sport that I loved. Being here for my children in the future is far more important; after that night I realized that my career truly was at its end.  Most importantly, MMA took so much time away from raising my sons.  Even as I shared my victories with them they suffered from my absences. In Ju Jitsu it’s just the opposite: they are a part of it as they compete alongside both myself and each other.  While I truly loved the sport, when I took a step back and reflected upon what was most important to me I realized it was time to focus on my other passions and life goals.

So do you regret MMA and that bloody fight? Absolutely not.  I believe that on the backside of fear and things that challenge us are lessons that can’t be gained from safe spaces, winning or acting in the realm of the average. Nelson Mandela said it best when he said “I never lose. I either win or learn.” That last night in a cage I was hurt as I had my first “loss” and yet it was my best fight/learning experience.  I made so many great friends such as the Patton brothers of SteelFist Promotion who gave me many opportunities to challenge myself.  I was honored that night to receive a recognition award from Steelfist and the MMA community.  I was honored to have been involved with the organization in so many ways as a fighter, matchmaker, and co-host of the TV show and ringside commentator.  Fighting has helped me show others that despite fighting into my mid 40s age is just a number. This sounds strange but the defeat that night helped propel me forward into my next chapter.  That night’s blood bath removed fears I’d had at competing at a national/world level and helped make me mentally strong before I stepped on the mat at the Ju Jitsu World Championships in December. I told myself nothing would be harder than what I went through that night so why be nervous?  MMA has always been a young man’s sport and is amazing if kept in the right context.  It can also be a destructive ego force that can damage so much if you let it so don’t; stay grounded.  Utah MMA is alive and well and I am honored to have put on many battles and to have gained the fans and friends I had. 

Any words to new MMA fighters? Yes…learn that it’s not all about you.  It’s about your team, your coaches, your family, and the promotions and that it takes everyone to help you.  The spotlight of the cage can amplify the best and/or worst qualities in us so it’s up to you to recognize which is which and then represent yourself and team to the best of your ability.

Do you have a favorite Utah MMA fighter? Yep. Carson Gregory who is truly an inspiration and represents the next generation of fighters.  I don’t see any ego, simply a focus on faith, fighting and family.        

So tell me about your transition from professional MMA fighter to professional Ju Jitsu fighter for those making that switch? I have nothing negative to say about MMA but I am very much enjoying this chapter of my life.  The rise of professional jiu-jitsu has flipped an old idea on its head and here’s why:  the popularity of MMA over recent years has led to some of the most talented MMA fighters current and past making the switch to professional and competition jiu-jitsu.  Whatever you are seeking awaits you.  Thus if it’s important to have your name up in lights, you can.  If you want to produce far more money in the bank than the average MMA fighter…you can as you can fight every week if you want to but without the same level of physical risk.  Need sponsors? Many are willing to support your efforts financially. For myself I was not as concerned about sponsorship as I was about leaving a legacy and continuing on in a sport where I could excel at the highest levels until I was well into my 70’s.  My long-term goal is to chase lifetime goals in the sport and not chase wins or a record as I stopped keeping track of my grappling record after over 100 competitive matches.  The professional ju jitsu scene appeals to both practitioners and fans of combat sports and can be just as nasty when you enter in submission-only super fights that can take place in the mat and in the cage.  For those seeking the glitz and glamour of MMA you can still get that but perhaps without the physical risks of MMA. When you fight at a higher level, that fight is in your blood and I will be forever grateful for my MMA career. I hope to stay involved to some capacity but the feeling of victory in the cage can never surpass fighting alongside my children in local or pro Ju jitsu matches.

So you can make money outside of MMA?  You can make money in whatever you decide to put your heart and soul into, but yes normally in the pro tournaments it is winner take all. In some cases you are paid for super fights and there are many sponsors willing to supplement your efforts if you are a respectful ambassador to the sport. For me personally I choose to donate all my winnings to charity, but there are many avenues to create a revenue stream outside of MMA if you so desire.

Tell about what you have been able to accomplish since leaving the sport of MMA?  I feel both humbled and proud to have accomplished so much starting with helping 3 of my children compete and train more and watching them win national championships and become medal holders.  I was also honored that my professor, the great Robert Drysdale, felt me worthy to receive my black belt in Ju jitsu.  This journey for me took about 17 years of training and it meant so much.  In December I competed and became a 2017 Ju Jitsu Masters World Champion which was an honor.  In Ju Jitsu the medal and the title means the world but you get to reflect upon this victory only for about 30 seconds on the winner’s podium;  It then becomes an afterthought and the work continues to challenge yourself to get to the next level.  You will get no accolades from your coaches or teammates past the day you win; you may get some level of respect but there is expectation to get back to work and be better the next day.

Tell me about your upcoming Super fight with your own sons? This fight is both symbolic and historic for me as it represents an opportunity to step on the mat for one moment in time with my sons for one pivotal night. It is a submission only, no points professional match where the winner takes all and the loser takes nothing home but lessons.  I am proud to see 3 of my 4 sons step on the mat, the youngest being 7 years old.  I cannot imagine at 7 years old what it would be like to step on a mat in front of thousands of people. Regardless of whether we win, lose or learn it will be a magical night for all of us.  For many years my children have watched me with a certain kind of awe reserved for idols because I am their father and they watched as they sacrificed time with me, always understanding that I was trying to set an example for them of sportsmanship, dedication, humility and honor.  This time, I am the one who is honored to step into the arena with my children to support them in their own battles. In this journey my goal is to teach them a little something along the way about strength and honor, and to show them that I am in awe of the dedication and passion and commitment that they have shown to this sport and to themselves along the way.  This is their night.

Though I am forever grateful there is a big world past MMA. Ju Jitsu gives me the thrill of the fight, continues the love of the sport, brings a bit of extra practice to hone my skills even further, shows my boys that jiu-jitsu truly erases limitations and gives us years of time to succeed, fail and enjoy each other as a family.

John offered these thoughts about fight week and competing with his sons: Well it’s fight week is upon us and my boys and I are looking forward to a successful weigh-in. The week of the fight is one of the most important for us as weeks of hard work and failure are now being funneled into 5 days. Our coaches and team have paved euphoric path for us to follow and it’s still not over as my boys and I look to balance and maintain not just physical but mental health. Each of you have helped in this journey through your kind words and support. We love you all. I have seen each one of my boys begin to develop their own athlete personalities leading up to this and I am proud to partner with them helping them create their own preflight routines and ways to mentally prepare. While nervousness is normal I want my boys to understand that while winning is what we are seeking it is not the main goal therefor they don’t need to feel like they are walking a tight wire. Instead, I want them to do their best, have fun, have us come together as men and grow as a results of this amazing opportunity. While I want victory for my boys I want so much more for them simply to enjoy their experience. I hope I am able to Instill in my boys that fight week like any other goal “is NOT about counting the days but making those days count.

Good luck to John and his sons on Saturday night.

ALSO ... Hector Lopez, of KOA gym in Layton, remained undefeated last weekend, scoring an amateur win at a Tuff N Uff catrd in Nevada. ... The aforementioned Mr. Akers has a pro MMA bout in Wyoming this weekend ... and undefeated pro boxers Gabriel Chairez and Bladimir Estrada are among boxers scheduled to fight on a card Saturday night at The Complex in SLC. Also scheduled to box is female boxer Lisa Carroll. A poster is below. Undefeated Ignacio Chairez and Christian Aguirre, as well as Jordan Marriott, are listed as boxing on the poster. ... A whole bunch of fights have been released for the SteelFist MMA February card in SLC. Go here to see them on social media.

Valentine readies for his final pro MMA bout

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.

An interview with MMA amateur Bryce Edminister

Again, we have a lot of information for the Utah Fight Blog this week, so I plan to release information over a couple of days, or three. Today features an interview with MMA amateur Bryce Edminister, who fights Nick Estrada at Sand Hollow May 13 at the South Valley Slam. You can see Bryce (above on the left) in a recent bout. He trains at David Castillo's The Garage in Davis County.

We will also have (tomorrow) an interview with John Valentine, also fighting at Sand Hollow. He recently competed in an open Jiu Jitsu tournament in Las Vegas, taking home first place.

We also have info from the National Golden Gloves, and by tomorrow or Saturday hope to hat with Jon Bryant, and his trainer, Julian Sanchez, about the Louisiana experience. Utah's representatives have finished their bouts there.

Finally, we'll update info on the upcoming SteelFist card in June. We will have interviews with fighters as the date draws near. ONE MORE THING: Fierce Fighting Championships has announced a card in June. We'll certainly be covering that as if gets closer. One interesting bit is that Ogden pro Jordan Chandler, who recently won at SteelFist, is scheduled to fight on the card.

Here's the interview with Edminister (6-3-1) who meets Estrada (3-0)

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UFG: What motivates you about the bout, to go through training?

Edminister: Honestly there's a lot of reasons why this next fight is going to be pivotal one in my fight career. I've been in this game for just over 5 years. That's five years where I've learned different lessons, experienced different situations and have identified what separates the great from the mediocre. I'm at a point in my career where everything is starting to come together on a whole different level than it has before. Seeing everything in my game click and progress is really what is making the grind all worth it. This next fight is going to set the tone for these upcoming years. It's go time! 

UFG: What's your fight style? What is a key strength of your opponent and how will you neutralize that.

Edminister: I like to think I have my own unique style but at the end of the day, especially at this day and age of MMA, we are all just Mixed Martial Artists with our own strengths. I like to think of myself as a technical grappler, with solid footwork on my feet, and decent power in these hands...I guess I'll claim that as my style, ha ha. Nick Estrada has an undefeated record from his relentless pace and heavy hands that have overwhelmed his opponents in the past. I plan to use my angles and footwork to neutralize him on the feet and I have a lot of confidence in my Jiu Jitsu if we end up on the canvas. Nick is a tough individual and this will sure be a fun one for the fans! 

UFG: What's your training like daily? Who is coaching you? Who is working out and sparring with you?

Edminister: We have a very solid approach to the day to day training for this bout. I am happy to claim The Garage as my home here in Layton. My coaches Anthony Lobato, Jason Tafoya and David Castillo are the best in the business. Each bring a different angle and input that has shaped me into the Mixed Martial Artist I am today. With them and my team at The Garage behind me, I am more than confident in how we run our training, sparring, and preparation for this bout. 

UFG: How is MMA improve you and your life. What are some longer-term goals in the sport?

Edminister: Look at the end of the day we are all fighting for something. Some of us in the literal sense and some of us in a metaphorical sense. MMA has taught me that there's always a path to the next level of anything. Sometimes all you have to do is find the path and be willing to step out of your comfort zone and see where new roads lead; a mindset that has impacted my life both inside and outside of the cage. When I win this fight I plan to keep this train rolling with another until my coaches pull the trigger on my professional career. It's coming soon, keep an eye open!

Good luck on May 13, Bryce.

Remember, there will another fight game blog on Friday and likely Saturday as well.