Issue 008
October 2005
FO: Why did you start training in Martial Arts:
JL: Like every kid (I was 8 when I started), we did judo so our parents could get rid of use for a few hours a week. And then like pretty much every body else, the Bruce Lee wannabe thing.
FO: What made you interested in MMA Competition:
JL: I saw the 1st UFC a couple of weeks after it had been on pay perview in the US in 93, at the time I was fighting in kickboxing and straight away I got hooked and I wanted to try, I even sent an application in 1994 to the UFC.
FO: When did you have your first contest:
JL: My 1st fight was in Thai Boxing when I was 16, I won by KO with a spinning back kick.
FO: What did it feel like getting into the ring / cage for the first time:
JL: I don’t remember the 1st time I fought in a ring but in a cage it was the must exciting thing ever, I fought in the 1st Cage wars which was the 1st ever cage show in the UK, I couldn’t wait to get in there, but other guys shit themselves and did not fight.
FO: How did your first fight go:
JL: I won my first fight (Thai boxing) by KO, I was very nervous and then so relieved that I thought I was going to cry. My 1st pro MMA fight was a very hard experience, I fought Moise Rimbo who was more experienced and MUCH bigger. I couldn’t really get into the fight and I didn’t really show what I could do, I couldn’t wait for the bout to be finish.
FO: How did you feel following the fight:
JL: Some of my friends told me “do you really thing that’s for you ??” But I was determined to get back in and do better, I won the following 4 fights by submission all in less that 2 mins in the 1stround.
FO: What are your thoughts on the French MMA scene:
JL: Like everywhere, there are some very good fighters (Damien, Anthony, Kasha and many more) and some not so good. The problem in France is that they cant fight full Pro MMA in there own country, so its difficult to get experience, besides that, there are some very good guys with great striking and grappling ability. But I also think some of them get a bit to excited sometimes, only after a couple of wins they already start to get demanding regarding purse or opponents, so they shouldn’t be surprised if some promoters don’t bring them back after they lose. But now, Loic Pora’s doing an amateur MMA league (semi pro rules) so young fighters can get experience. so look out for the next generation.
FO: There have been some rumours that you may be retiring from active competition. Is this true?
JL: Yes it WAS true. After losing to Daley I wasn’t happy because I know I can do better than that and that maybe it was time to stop before losing to 1st timer. But then I got a lot of support from fellow fighters who told me that I was better than that and it was a
bad patch. And then I had a good think and realised than basically besides my injury’s I also was lacking in motivation, after winning a big fight in Japan and going to a split decision (which should have been a draw) again the very experienced Shonie Carter, I didn’t really want to fight UK guys and wasn’t really motivated, so I guess it showed at training and in the ring and was only a shadow of myself. But I am back now and I really want to get back to the top. So I won’t retire this year.
FO: How do you feel the MMA scene is progressing in the UK:
JL: The quality of the shows are better, they look after the fighters better and that s the most important thing. Gone is the time were we used to get paid £50 and had to run everywhere to try to sell tickets so we could get extra cash to pay for the hotel and petrol. And then chasing after the promoter after the show to make sure we actually got our money. Also it creates more competition not only in between fighters but also promoter which is a good thing as long as it stays healthy . This way all promoters will try to look after fighters properly. I think there is still place for everybody, sure no-one can compete against Cage Rage, but they can still put some very exciting cards like XF3 manage to do with a good match maker. As for fighters, there is 100 of them now which is cool, but there is still a gap between the top 5 and the others. I would still love to see different style of MMA competition like the old shoot style or the rules that ZST use in Japan.
FO: What is your training regime:
JL: Well to be honest with you, working and paying my bills is my priority, so I don’t train as much as I would like to, also I find it hard to find good sparring partners to give me a hard time at training. But it usually goes like this. 1hr cardio (running/up hill biking) 4 times a weeks. 1hr circuit weight training (alternate between heavy and light reps) 3 times a weeks. Sparring (grappling or striking) pretty much every day.
FO: At the moment you are training several fighters, do you have stars in the future training with you?
JL: I think that Ashley Grimshaw is going to make a name for himself in near the future, he s a 100% Pancrase London pure breed (like a lot of my fighters, I don’t take credit for other people’s jobs). He can grapple and strike well and has got a mean ground and pound. Another very good one is Dean Jones, but he’ s having a break right now and concentrating on his personal life. But I’ve got other young up and coming tigers and will see what’s up in the future. I also get top UK fighters coming through my doors every week.
FO: What are your plans for the future.
JL: Keep fighting and entertaining the people who come and see me the best that I can. Also work hard on my personal life so I don’t end up like so many champions, without any money and by themselves with only his trophy and memory.
FO: Any other comments.
JL: I would like to thank all the people who come and support me and all the UK MMA scene who always respected me and gave me many opportunities. Paddy Mooney and Dave & Andy.
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