Next MMA Fighter

NMMF: Andrew, this is your first time fighting for Tachi Palace, a well respected promotion in the area, how do you feel about being at this level?
AV: Tachi palace is the place to be for the 125ers I’m glad I finally got my foot in the door. Level-wise I feel like I’m ready to shake up this 125 division. Hopefully I can make this my new home.

NMMF: Tell us about your background and a little bit about your training and gym.
AV:My background: I’m a 100% Cung Le fighter Sanshou fighter, I love to stand-and-bang. Training has been good; we have a strong tough team at Cung Le ADA and we had a few fighters fighting the same month as me, so we all help each other out.

NMMF:Martin Sandoval is a very game competitor, how do you see this playing out?
AV:Martin Sandoval is a good wrestler. His stand-up isn’t as good as mine; once we trade and feels it he will start shooting in but I’m ready to stuff the takedowns. If he stands-and-bangs I dont see him making it past the first round.

NMMF:What was the defining moment that convinced you that MMA was your path?
AV: Defining moment I always wanted to be an mma fighter: when I was young I told Cung Le that’s what I wanted to do. He said once I turn 18 he will get me in the cage. MMA is taking over and I love the sport.

NMMF:Thank you for your time, Andrew. Do you have anyone you’d like to thank?
AV: I would like to thank my mom, Bertha Kimrey. Without her I wouldn’t be a fighter. Also Cung Le and my corner Sal Gallardo, Javier Gonzales, and Jane Estioko. I can’t forget Sponsors: Knoxx, En Tu Cara, GFY, R&R Refuse Routine. I give a  shou-out to Cung Le and thank you for the interview

Catch Tachi Palace Fights 13 live at Tachi Palace Hotel and Casnio in Lemoore, Ca on Thursday May 10. You can also check out the free online stream at Sherdog.com. See the up and comers at Tachi Palace Fights!

We got a few minutes with Douglas Lima to tell us about his fight with Chris Lozano at Bellator 53

NMMAF: You are on a terrific 7 fight win streak after a few hiccups. Tell us how you’ve adapted your game to be seemingly unstoppable.
DL: Well I’m just more focused now.. training a lot harder and with better coaches and training partners. I’m just better physically and mentally and I’m ready for anything!

NMMAF: You face a tough striker in Chris Lozano this weekend, though your stand up has been looking very crisp of late. How do you see the fight playing out?
DL: Yea Lozano is a good striker but I’ve been doing that for a long time as well. It doesn’t concern me one bit. I’m ready for whatever in this fight. I’m not losing!

NMMAF: What is it like to have a brother as a training partner?
DL: Having a brother as a training partner is great. Specially a tough one like Dhiego. We help each other out a lot. And both of our game is getting better everyday.

NMMAF: On the other side of the bracket you have Ben Saunders taking on Luis Santos. How do you feel about your chances to win the tournament?
DL: It’s gonna be a great fighting between them 2. But I’m ready for either. I’m training really good and happy with my progress. But first I’m concentrating on Lozano them I’ll think about the other fight.

NMMAF: Do you have anyone you would like to thank? (sponsors, trainers, training partners)
DL: I want to thank all my coaches and training partners!! My sponsors Era Fight Wear, Dom fight wear, Auto and detailing in Smyrna. My management SuckerPunch Ent. And all my great fans n supporters!! God bless!!!

Marius Cujba gave us a few minutes to answer some questions about this weekend and his career. Marius is one of the most humble guys I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. He’s actually really great to be around until he Judo’s you on your head.

NMMAF: This is your toughest test to date. How do you plan to come out on top?
MC: I will just try to do my best to overcome the challenge. I train hard for every fight.

NMMAF: You’ve outstruck elite grapplers and out grappled elite strikers, how will Cofer’s balanced attack play into your strategy?
MC: I will just try to follow my strategy the best I can so I can win. I have to be ready for anything.

NMMAF: You seem to be picking your fights very carefully and developing your record against tough competition. Do you see yourself in a major promotion soon?
MC: I am hoping that I will have this chance before I retire. I take the fights my management and coaches agree are best for me and my career.

NMMAF: How do you balance your training regiment to be able to teach but also stay in pro fighting shape?
MC: Knowing my priorities, balancing my time and taking the best of my time every day. My coaches and training partners at X3 work together as a team should to get everyone ready for a fight.

NMMAF: Is there anyone you would like to thank? (trainers, sponsors, etc?)
MC: First I would like to thank God for everything and then to X3 Sports trainers,training partners, management, and my whole team. My sponsors are: Cobb Pain & Rehab (Dr. Jason Weeks), Apogee 360, Mix1, Mosquito Squad, and The InHouse Graphics – Thank You.

Looking to get in on the action? http://www.ticketmaster.com/Masquerade-Fight-Party-1-tickets/artist/1627505 or call the Masquerade box office 404-477-8178.

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We spoke with Marius Cujba undefeated fighter from X3 Sports after he took home the Georgia Fighters Lightweight Strap.

NMMAF: You just got matched up with Chris Cain for Wild Bill’s Fight Night 40. It looks like a great card and you are now part of it. Tell us your thoughts.
GT: Well I’ve been on that card for the past month or two, unfortunately my original opponent pulled out and we’ve been trying to get another fight since. My new opponent is Chris Cain and I agreed to fight him at a weight of 142+2lbs. I normally fight at 145+2, it’s not a big difference so I should have no problem making weight. I’m always excited to be on the Wild Bills show, they do a great job promoting it and many people know about it. My only concern is fighting in a boxing ring. I’ve done it many times before, but there is always that risk of falling through the ropes during a takedown, or someone tripping. It takes you back to the Pride days haha.

NMMAF:Where do you think the fight goes and how are you going to improve to 4-0?
GT: From what I know, Chris’s main style is grappling. I see the fight going anywhere really, wherever I see an opportunity to finish the fight I will take advantage of it. I’ve been working my striking for some time now to compliment my ground game and takedowns. If I see a weakness I will exploit it, and if I see that I am outmatched in one aspect, I will move the fight elsewhere. I read the Art of War by Sun Tzu once or twice.

NMMAF:You’ve been pretty busy this year and barring any injuries do you plan to fight with this frequency in the future?
GT:Now that I’m out of college and have a full time job, I can train 7 days a week and prepare for fights much better than before. If I’m coming out of a fight injury free, I’ll take it easy for a week and get back to work the next. Normally, 8-10 weeks is plenty of time to prepare for a fight. That’s not always the case, sometime you get more time to train, sometimes less.

NMMAF:Where do you want to be in 2 years? Who do you have to beat to get there?
GT: In two years I see myself having close to 15 fights, maybe less. I don’t take any fight lightly, and I do everything I can to prepare for a victory. I’m currently ranked #6 under Georgia Fighters rankings, and in order to make a bigger name for myself I will have to fight those above me. I plan on doing that in the future, for now I will focus on the fight against Chris Cain.

NMMAF:How was DragonCon?
GT:DragonCon was a blast! we had a great time and spent all weekend down there. It’s hard to explain DragonCon to someone who’s never been, my best description would be: It’s like a 4 day long Halloween costume party, and some people do amazing jobs with their costumes, I always try to bring new people down each year to check it out, and afterwards they are hooked! I’ll share a link of some pictures we took while we were down there.
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.917054288923.2370511.23212968

NMMAF:Is there anyone you want to thank?
GT: Thanks for doing this interview with me! I’d also like to thank everyone at Striker Fight Center, mma coach Steve Broughman, BJJ coach Juan Guevara, Boxing coach Nate and Adam, and weight training coach Rocky Thorn. Manager Lisa Webb, my training partners, my awesome girlfriend, and family.

Next MMA Fighter: When did you get the call from Strikeforce to fight Jason “Mayhem” Miller?
Tim Stout: I got the call right at 2 weeks out and agreed immediately, obviously it’s a really big fight for me.

Next MMA Fighter: How do you feel about fighting on CBS?
Tim Stout: I’m really looking forward to it. It gives my family, friends, and fans an opportunity to see me fight when they may not have been able to in the past.

Next MMA Fighter: How do you want to fight him? What’s the gameplan?
Tim Stout: My gameplan is no secret. I’m gonna try to keep it standing and knock him out. I train with Mark Cook for my kickboxing and Roberto Traven on the ground, I’m prepared for anything he brings.

Next MMA Fighter: There’s no shortage of tape for this guy, you do your homework?
Tim Stout: I’m a big fan, actually. I enjoy the show and the shenanigans. In a lot of ways he’s my exact opposite, so I just like to watch it.

Next MMA Fighter: No plans to rival his walk-in?
Tim Stout: (laughs) No, I’m just gonna walk in there and want to get to work. I’ll leave the show for the showman.

Next MMA Fighter: Is Strikeforce a promotion you see yourself in for the long term or is UFC a goal, perhaps?
Tim Stout: I’ll fight anywhere that will have me and treat me the best. Fighting on National TV is the big game, so it’s just about where I can be happiest.

Next MMA Fighter: The Hendo Shields fight is coming up. Any predictions?
Tim Stout: I love Dan Henderson, he’s a good ol’ boy just like me and he comes to fight. Jake won’t likely be able to take him down and it’ll turn into a boxing match. Jake will run into Dan’s right hand eventually.

Next MMA Fighter: UFC 112 is just about underway, any comments or predictions about those fights?
Tim Stout: I’d like to see Maia win, I think it would be interesting for the division. BJ Penn is great and I don’t really see him losing, and I have a lot of respect for Renzo, I’d like him to come away with a win there.

Next MMA Fighter: We’re not too far from the fight now, how’s your weight?
Tim Stout: I’m going up a weight class so I feel really good, I’ll put on some pounds and do a really small cut. I feel incredible and won’t have issues with cardio or hydration that would usually come with a big cut.

Next MMA Fighter: How do you feel about Georgia fighters compared to the rest of the scene? You’ve got a big fight coming up, Tex Johnson is gonna fight War Machine next weekend, Raphael Assuncao is fighting for the WEC…
Tim Stout: I don’t think Georgia fighters are necessarily better than anywhere else, there’s a big mix of talent in the state. Although there are guys like Tex, Assuncao, and Jucao that really shine.

Next MMA Fighter: Tell us about your nickname.
Tim Stout: My first couple of fights I finished by KOs all in the first couple seconds of the first round. I developed a reputation for being a tenacious and explosive fighter. People wanted me to be the “Pitbull” and other stuff but when it came down to it, I wanted to be original. MOAB stands for Massive Ordinance Air Blast, the most powerful non-nuclear bomb our military uses. I picked it because it was original and I throw bombs in all of my fights.

Next MMA Fighter: Thanks for speaking with us, Tim. Anyone you want to thank?
Tim Stout: I would like to thank all my sponsors Hitman Fight Gear, Full Tilt Poker.net and Fighter Warehouse. I also want to thank Nutraplanet.com and Ink Revolutions who have supported me since I started fighting.

Lastly I would like to thank Sponsored Fan for all the work they do for me. These guys never stop working for me and it shows, just look at all my new sponsors!

David “Pay Me” Yost is an explosive heavyweight who will be headlining Art of Fighting 7 this Saturday in Tampa Bay, FL. We took some time with him as he gets ready for the biggest fight of his young career.

NextMMAFighter : Thanks for taking to time to talk with us David, how are your final preparations coming along.

David Yost : It couldn’t be better, im in best shape of my life and the fans are going to see a new fighter in there.

NextMMAFighter : You have spent most of your professional career with Art of Fighting, tell us about your matchup on Saturday night at the Sun Dome.

David Yost : I’ll be fighting six time world jiu-jitsu champion Marcio Cruz for the world heavyweight belt on Saturday night. Cruz is a force to be reckoned with on the ground, but all fights start standing, so ill start with the upper hand in my opinion.

NextMMAFighter : You’re fighting in the Main event at a big arena, does any of this pressure get to you?

David Yost : Not at all. Ive been fighting my whole life and this is just another guy I gotta beat to be the best.

NextMMAFighter : As a highly touted prospect you only have 1 loss on your record due to injury. Tell us what happened and what you learned from the experience.

David Yost : When I received my first loss, I hip tossed a guy and we landed awkwardly. I tore my shoulder out of socket and didn’t realize what happened, so I continued to fight for 4 and a half minutes. When the round had ended, the doctor called and end to the fight. From this fight I learned you cant really train for injuries, they just happen sometimes and its up to you to get back on that horse.

NextMMAFighter : You have only had 1 fight come out of the first round in your career how do you prepare to be explosive yet make sure you have enough if the fight goes into the later rounds?

David Yost : I’ve been training for 5×5 min rounds and the fight is only three, so I plan to be explosive for the entire fight.

NextMMAFighter : You are fighting Marcio Cruz, who holds a win over Frank Mir in the UFC. Does the experience of your opponent play into your preparation at all?

David Yost : It certainly does a little, but I’m a totally different fighter than Mir so Marcio will have to adjust to me more than I will to him.

NextMMAFighter : Without giving away your gameplan how do you see the fight playing out on Saturday night.

David Yost : Just like every fight, I’m going to punch him till either he quits or the ref makes me stop hitting him.

NextMMAFighter : Although AOF is a great organization, if you keep racking up KO wins the bigger promotions will surely come calling. What are you plans for your future as a Professional fighter?

David Yost : My plans are to stick with the people that have always been there for me and follow my heart. No matter what, I cant go wrong with that plan.

NextMMAFighter : As you might very well be fighting these guys somewhere down the line, break down the Carwin / Lesnar matchup from a fan perspective for us.

David Yost : I see Carwin coming out strong and confident with his hands. Lesnar will surely try to go to the ground and tie him up right from the beginning. Power and Strength will be a big factor in this fight, but I think Carwin will win in the end.

NextMMAFighter : Thanks again for the interview and we wish you luck on Saturday night, in closing is there anyone you would like to thank?

David Yost : I want to thank all my sponsors that make fighting possible for me. Steinberg, Sterns, Cruz Platinum Wrench, Full Tilt Poker and last but not least my friends/family for all the support they have given me.

Tickets are still available for Art of Fighting 7 “Payday” on Saturday night and you can purchase them HERE.

Douglas Lima is a young phenom out of the American Top Team with a very bright future in MMA. We have had the honor to watch him tear it up on numerous occasions on the Southeast Circuit. Douglas will be fighting in the main event tonight for SportfightX at the World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA. We spent some time with him as he gets ready for the biggest fight of his young career.

NextMMAFighter : You’re getting ready for a huge fight on Friday and we appreciate the time. Tell us how your final preparations are coming along.

Douglas Lima : My pleasure. Preparations are great and I am just taking it easy this week. All the hard training is done and now is just a lot of cardio and losing weight.

NextMMAFighter : Before losing to Matt Brown who now fights in the UFC, you had won 8 straight fights. When you look back on it, was the loss to a high caliber fighter beneficial to your career?

Douglas Lima : Of course. You always learn when you lose and losing to Matt back then wasn’t any different for me. I was very young and had a lot to learn back then. My cardio wasn’t good for that fight, so it taught me to train harder and prepare better for a fight. It sucks to lose, but it was better for me then and one day I’ll get my rematch.

NextMMAFighter : Speaking of the UFC, you are definitely an up and coming fighter. Without looking past your fight on Friday, what are your aspirations for your MMA future?

Douglas Lima : Well I’m just thinking about the next fight. I hope I get to the big show soon, but until then I’m training and fighting. I’m still young so whatever comes next I’ll be ready.

NextMMAFighter : You have gone through some very tough guys to get your place in the Redline Grand Prix Finals. Tell us a bit about your fights that got you to the finals.

Douglas Lima : First fight was against Eddie Hernandez. He was talking a lot before the fight and got me motivated to fight him. It was a tough fight, the kid is really good and strong. I got him in a triangle in the first round and was able to finish the fight there.

Round 2 was against Clint Hester who is another tough fight for anyone. We went to a decision and fought hard for three rounds. I broke my hand in the second round, so I
had to fight the third with that injury. It was hurting a lot, but I was able to put him on his back and work on top most of the round. I won what fight by unanimous decision and here I am.

NextMMAFighter : Unfortunately your original date with Coleman was postponed due to an injury. Tell us how your hand is doing and how you feel coming into the fight.

Douglas Lima : Right now the hand is perfect. It healed really fast and I thank Soco along with Sin City Fight Club for postponing the fight. It’s good to go now and is ready for the 26th.

NextMMAFighter : Cortez Coleman is a tough dude that fights out of the H.I.T Squad with Matt Hughes. Tell us what you know about your opponent.

Douglas Lima : Cortez is a tough guy and is coming off a great camp. He was an underdog in his first two fights of the Grand Prix and proved he belongs here in the finals. He always brings the fight, is always in shape and I’ll be ready to battle him Friday.

NextMMAFighter : You have been training for this fight with American Top Team, tell us about how they have helped you get ready.

Douglas Lima : American Top Team is really good and Jucao is taking great care of my training. He definitely has got me ready for this fight. I’m also training my Muay Thai with Manu at ATT. Both are really tough coaches that know what they’re doing.

NextMMAFighter : Without giving away your gameplan, how do you see the fight playing out on Friday?

Douglas Lima : Man I know one thing is for sure and that is that were gonna bang it out there. I’m gonna fight to finish no matter what it takes. Standing, wrestling, ground or whatever comes, I’ll be ready. As always you’ll never know how it goes, so we’ll all find out Friday.

NextMMAFighter : We wish you the best of luck on Friday, in closing is there anyone you would like to thank?

Douglas Lima : Thanks bro! I want to thank my trainers, Jucao and Manu first of all for getting me ready for this fight. I have to of course thank all my training partners. My manager Brian Butler with SuckerPunch Entertainment, Todd Wolff, Full Tilt Poker, Clinch Gear and Iron Clutch Fitness for sponsoring me for this fight! Thanks guys and if you can’t make the fight go to gofightlive.tv and check it out! God Bless!

You can find out more information and buy tickets for tonight’s fight at SportfightX The event will also be available on pay per view at gofightlive.tv