Issue 027

July 2007

Fighters Only's ever-growing list of sponsored fighters can now count Liverpudlian submission specialist Jason Tan among its numbers.

The 25-year-old may have been born in London, but describes himself as "Scouse through and through". He will make his UFC debut come June 16th in Belfast against Marcus Davis, cheekily nicknamed 'The Celtic Warrior', and though it is Davis claiming the Irish heritage in this fight, it will be Tan who thinks he will claim victory.

"I think it's a win-win in my case, I'm fighting a guy who has won his last three in the UFC, he's pretty well-known and I think stylistically he matches well with me. I think it's a good fight".

Fighting out of Next Generation MMA, Jason founded the gym with his close friend and Paul Rimmer, who also acts as part of Jay's coaching staff.

Jason has been putting plenty of effort into training for this encounter though, working his boxing with John Lynch at the 051 Gym in Liverpool, and also training with his student and fellow UFC fighter Terry Etim, who appeared on UFC 70 in Manchester.

A graduate from Liverpool University, Jason has a degree in maths and at one point even worked as an accountant, but has turned his back on the corporate world. "It's a distant memory now", he laughs.

It was during university that Tan stepped up his training, having previously come from a striking background. "When I was about 15 I got into boxing and kickboxing and when I was about 19 I got into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It was Rickson Gracie's Choke that did it for me".

Tan used his time as a student to perfect his game on the mat, with training trips to Europe, the US and Brazil. His return to England and full-time employmentr didn't really suit him though, as he explains: "When I got back I was working in accountancy while fighting at the same time. I was actually about five months into the job and I was cornering Terry at the WCFC. I took a fight on that show on short notice [Tan fought that evening on three hours notice). My employer wasn't too keen on me fighting while doing the day job. Initially it was going to be a sabbatical, but being realistic I don't think I'll ever go back".

Coming from a striking background, it was natural progression for Tan to enter the cage. ("It was always something I wanted to go into, MMA"). Now he's stepping into the most famous cage in the world; the UFC Octagon.

"He's an ex-boxer, a southpaw, with strong tight hands," Tan says of his opponent Davis. "He looks pretty decent on the ground, looks well rounded". With such a tough challenge you may expect Tan to be nervous, but he's playing it cool and keeping his cards close to his chest. "There are a couple of game plans, I don't want to give too much away, but I'll be prepared come fight time".

"I'd like to thank sponsors No Gi industries, Fighters Only mag, Society nightclub and Garlands nightclub. Thanks to everyone who is helping me to prepare for this fight, there are so many to mention, so thanks, and I'd like to give a special mention to Paul Rimmer for his hard work".