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Q&A with Donny Ooton

Posted by :jcastle On : July 30, 2013
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Category: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, CFFC, MMA Fighter Profile, MMA Institute, Training

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Donny "One Speed" OotonThe Doombeard Report is proud to present this interview with Professional MMA fighter Donny “One Speed” Ooton. Donny is 4-0 and is currently preparing for his fifth Pro MMA fight against Jordan Stiner at CFFC XXVI on August 17 in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Question: What brought you to MMA?

Answer: I had been involved with wrestling for my entire life. After I stopped competing in 2009, I had coached for another season at Bucknell University. When I left Bucknell, I came back to Richmond to figure out my next move. I had applied for several other coaching positions and had no luck, so I was getting very frustrated with not being able to find a coaching position. I asked a friend if he knew of somewhere I could start training to fight. I needed an outlet; I actually wanted nothing to do with fighting or competing until I started training.

Where did you attend college, and did you graduate? If so, what degree(s) did you attain?

I wrestled at 149 pounds in college and at the senior level I competed at 66kgs (145.5). I went to Virginia Tech for 2 years and wrestled at 141 pounds, then transferred to SUNY Brockport and wrestled at 149 pounds. I was a two-time All-American at SUNY Brockport and I graduated with a B.S. in Physical Education.

Where did you begin your training?

MMA Institute. I walked in and Rick was giving me my consult and he asked me what my goals are and I took a second and said “to be a world champion,” and started training that night.

Your nickname is “One Speed”. There is usually a story behind how nicknames come about and what they mean. What is yours?

All in the name. I do everything all or nothing. My whole life I have been coached to give a topnotch maximum effort.

How long did you train before taking for first Amateur MMA fight?

I joined the gym in late August of 2010 and took my first fight October, 30 2010.

Your first fight, against Mike Pope at Operation Octagon XIII resulted in a third round loss via Rear Naked Choke (RNC). This is also the last and only time you were ever defeated in MMA competition. How did the fight go, and what did you take away from it?

He won the first, I won the second, and it was close in the third. I gassed out and stopped on a takedown attempt and he stepped over and got me with a RNC. I actually at that point refused to take conditioning class, I thought all I had to do was wrestle but I found out I was wrong. And I gotta keep working my Jitz, always gotta work your Jitz.

You finished out your Amateur MMA career with a five-fight winning streak, stopping all your opponents in the first round. How do you feel about the remainder of your Amateur MMA career, and how it prepared you to become a Professional fighter?

Not satisfied. I know I had/have areas I still need to improve in. I mean, I’ve wrestled a million matches in my life and have been in more fights than I can remember but it’s not the same. Being a professional fighter is being a professional athlete. You have to be at the top of your game at all times because you never know what opportunity is going to present itself to you.

In reference to what you just said, what are the things that you do in order to stay at the top of your game? How would you describe your lifestyle?

Well, there’s the diet. I have made a very serious commitment to my diet for the past eight months, 145 isn’t easy for me to make. Then there’s the “social life”, I have really become a homebody, I don’t go out and party. I love to have a good time and go crazy but if I want to reach my goals that will have to wait. I’ll celebrate once every blue moon but other than that not really much goes on.

You are listed as being 5’10”, which makes you pretty tall for the Featherweight division. How much weight do you typically have to cut in order to make that weight?

I have shrunk my body down to where I don’t get heavier than 165. Its important to be used to your competition weight, when I start training for a fight I like to stay about 161, so my body is used to being that weight and after weigh ins, I don’t have to worry about gaining so much weigh it slows me down.

Is 145 pounds similar to the weight division that you competed at in your collegiate wrestling career?

I wrestled at 149 pounds in college and at the senior level I competed at 66kgs (145.5).

How do you like training with Rick McCoy at MMA Institute?

It’s awesome; he’s a really good coach. Besides the fact he knows so much about the sport, he really knows what to say and do to get the most out of his athletes. He really cares about all of us and our futures.

How do you like living in the Richmond area?

I’m a beach guy, if I had my way I would hangout and surf all day. Richmond is the best environment for me to train.

You had your first professional MMA fight in March of 2012, against Daniel Yeagley. You won by via Submission due to strikes in the first round. What are your thoughts on your preparation for that fight, your opponent, and how the fight went that night?

Well every time I sign a contract it’s the most important fight of my career, so I treat it like I’m fighting for a world title. Not to mention its a fight, I’m locked in a cage with someone who wants to hurt me. I take it very personal and as a fight for my life.  “Winning is living and losing is death.” -Tom Brands . I had made a few mistakes in that fight and I knew I needed to get in the gym and correct them.

Well, it appears that you retired your first Pro opponent, as he hasn’t fought since losing his Pro debut to you. What are your thoughts on that?

I try not to think about it, I was better that night… business as usual.

You are 4-0 in your Pro career at this time. How have your fights gone until this point, and what have you learned from them?

They have gone well. I learned from each fight. I still have areas I need to improve in and I just gotta keep my head down and work for the next one. Can’t look at my last fights other than a learning experience, the past is the past and I just have to keep moving forward.

Your next fight is on August 17 against Jordan Stiner. How are you preparing for that fight, and what are your thoughts on your opponent?

Gotta keep working my Jitz, anyone can stop a takedown or hit someone but the ground is a whole different world… its frustrating. I’m working on sticking to the game plan, being aware of what he does well and fight my fight. I need to focus on what I’m going to do to win the fight and perform at a top level. I haven’t really given him much thought, just focusing on the task at hand.

What is your outlook on your career at this point?

I need to keep improving, I’m not gonna be happy until I reach my goals. I would love some sponsorship though. Having some type of financial support would make things a lot less stressful.

Do you have another occupation outside of fighting? Have you had difficulties finding sponsors?

I work construction and security at a nightclub. I have had some sponsorship but not on a major or consistent scale, just support from friends and family and my boss at Europa. If you’re ever in the Shockoe Bottom area, stop in for some tapas, it’s some of the best I have ever had.

Forgive me for using a somewhat loaded term. How would you describe your style as a fighter?

Well, there’s no secret that I’m a wrestler. I’ve done it my entire life, it’s in my blood. I love to take people down, pick ‘em up and put ‘em down hard!

You have finished all but one of your fights. Do you take pride in that?

That’s my job. I’m totally stoked about it and yeah I take pride in my job.

You train with a very experienced team of fighters at MMAI. Guys like Mike Wade, Terrell Hobbes, Brian Nielson, and now Tom Lawlor as well. What are your thoughts on the training you get from all those guys?

I get my ass kicked everyday, it’s very humbling. I learn a lot from it because everyone brings something different to the table. We all feed off of each other and these guys are my family now. We’re not afraid to tell one another if they need to fix something or they are doing well at something.

What are your thoughts on Tom Lawlor coming to Richmond and joining MMAI?

I think its awesome, I cant wait to learn from him. He is a big, strong, tough guy so it could mean a lot more black eyes for me. I kinda have a way of getting under people’s skin, you could say I have a big mouth.

You are bouncer as well as a Pro MMA fighter. I have encountered more than a few bouncers and/or drunk guys who claim that they “fight UFC”. Have you encountered such things? If so, what are your thoughts?

Well, my job isn’t to really hurt them or beat them up. We don’t really have that type of crowd, it’s a more “established” crowd. But yeah, you always have the jackasses, but they usually notice my ears right off the bat and that stops a lot.

Ideally, where do you see your career going in these next few years?

Bigger fights, bigger money, and world titles. That’s what I got into this sport for, to be the best. My goal is to be as good at all aspects as I am at wrestling. Oh yeah undefeated, that’s a key point. I hate losing…. I can’t even stand to lose in board games.

What is your favored method of ending a fight?

Elbows. I like putting my elbows through people’s faces. I have “Kapow!” tattooed on my right elbow. When I knock someone out from knees, I’m gonna get the bottom half of an acme rocket on my shin right under my knee, with explosion clouds, it’s gonna be so rad!

How many fights have you finished via elbows?

Three Pro, four Amateur.

How many tattoos do you have? Do they all mean something to you?

I have a half sleeve on my left arm, a USA wrestling symbol on my back (I got that one for winning my first state title), three on my right arm, one on either side of my ribs, and a Hokie bird on my left thigh. Yeah, they all tell a story.

If you could fight any fighter, whether they are currently active or retired. Who would it be? Why?

My old assistant wrestling coach from SUNY Brockport, Frank Pulambo, I don’t like that dude. I don’t really wanna “cage fight” him. That one would better serve as a street fight. When I fight in the cage I’m doing my job. When it’s in the cage it’s not personal, it’s business. I mean it is personal because it’s a fight… but it’s a job.

Would you like to thank anyone who has or is currently helping you in your career as a fighter?

Every one of my teammates and coaches. I wouldn’t be able to do this without them, there are so many people that put in so much time and effort into all of us. Rick, John, Tiger, Jake, Kazeka, Rafael, and Strickland.

The career of a professional fighter can be an arduous one. Between the rigorous daily training, fights, the fights that don’t happen, and injuries..some would consider such a career path a daunting one. What inspires you to be a fighter?

I didn’t reach my goals wrestling. I wont be happy until I can look myself in the mirror and be satisfied with my career. I fell short of my goals wrestling because I couldn’t settle down, and I don’t want that to keep haunting me.
If you had to make a prediction on how you see your upcoming fight going, what would it be?

5-0 with four stops for Ooton. Business as usual.

Well thank you for taking the time to do this interview, and I look forward to seeing your next fight on August 17 for CFFC. Besides attending the event itself in Atlantic City, are there other ways for your fans to see your fight?

I’m pretty sure it will be live streamed on cffc.tv the night of the event.

 

Q&A with Brian Nielson

Posted by :jcastle On : July 23, 2013
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Category: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Fight Prep, MMA Fighter Profile, MMA Institute, Training, Victorium

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brian nielsonThe Doombeard Report is proud to present this interview with up-and-coming Professional MMA fighter Brian “The Solution” Nielson. Training out of Richmond, Virginia, Brian is currently preparing for his seventh Professional MMA fight at the Victorium II on August 10 in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Q: What brought you to MMA?

A: Well I had just not made the wrestling team at Liberty University. I needed to work out somehow without just lifting weights and stumbled I on to grappling and I was hooked.

Where did you begin your training?

Team Ram in Lynchburg, Virginia, then a short time later MMA Institute in Richmond, Virginia and I’ve been there ever since.

When did you have your first amateur MMA fight? How did it go?

It was only a few months into training but it went pretty good. I took the guy down and we ended up in the ropes and they started me on the bottom in guard which was foreign to me, but I got an Arm Bar and finished it.

After finishing your amateur career at 6-1, you made your pro debut on 3/25/2011 at M1-Challenge XXIV against recent TUF winner Colton Smith. How did your preparation go for this fight? How was the event? How was the fight itself?

Oh we had to talk about that fight? Haha! It was not the greatest fight for me. I was coming off a pretty long layoff and it was the first time I fought at 170. But no excuses, Colton is a beast and he beat me on that night so its just another learning experience.

M1 has gotten its fair share of criticism for the way it ran its events held in the US. What was your experience like at that event?

The event was ran pretty smooth from what I can remember. My boy Bryan Lashomb had a rough time getting his purse. I’m not even sure he ever got paid.

Your loss to Colton Smith was followed up with a three-fight winning streak. What did you take away from your fight with Colton Smith, and how did your next three fights go as your Pro career started to take off?

I think that loss was a learning experience like any other fight is. Just getting in the cage each time prepares you more for the next time. Then my next three fights, I won all of them. I wanna say in the first round if I remember right, and it was a great feeling.

You lost to recent World Series of Fighting competitor Ozzy Dugulubgov last April, then lost a questionable (I thought so at least) Split Decision to Brandon Becker at CFFC 19. What are your thoughts on those fights? Where do you see your career now that your Professional record is at an even 3-3?

I mean kinda like what I said earlier they are all learning experiences, but more specifically I learned that I need to go out there and dictate the pace. I have great conditioning and I need push and look for finishes more. My career is just starting, I am young at 24, and I have a long time left in the sport. So who knows where its going. All I can do is get up every morning and get better.

At the Victorium II event on August 10, you face Jeremy Boardwine. How is your preparation going for the fight, and what do you think about your opponent? How do you see the fight going?

Preparation is going great, I’m training hard. Thoughts on my opponent are that he is tough and crafty, but at the end of the night I’m gonna get my hand raised because of who I train with and how hard we get after it.

What are your ranks/achievements in MMA or other Martial Arts forms that you have achieved?

I just got my brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu a few months ago.

Forgive me for using a somewhat loaded term, but how would you describe your style as a fighter?

I would consider myself a well-rounded fighter, but if I had to speak to a specialty, it would be in the grappling aspects of MMA.

Aside from fighting, do you have another occupation?

I work at the gym teaching, adults and kids. And sometimes I work as a doorman on the weekends at Europa, as well as every now and then judging amateur MMA fights. But nothing I would really call “work”.

What motivates you as a fighter? What are your goals that you’d like to achieve in your career? Do you feel that coaching others helps you grow as a fighter?

I enjoy getting better, so progression is probably what motivates me more than anything. And along with that my goal is perfection. By that I mean perfecting my skills, technique, cardio, athleticism, mental preparation, everything that goes into the fight. And yeah, coaching for sure helps, I might be showing a technique to someone that I know how to do but is difficult for me to explain, so I learn the technique even better and more polished in order to show or explain it.

What would be your ideal way to end a fight? If you could fight anyone during your career, regardless of whether they are active or retired, who would it be and why?

My ideal way to end a fight is with a submission or knockout, as both are amazing to me! And if I could fight anyone … that’s hard man. I would say when I’m at my peak or the best I could be…whoever is the champ, so right now it would be Georges St. Pierre.

MMA Institute Adds UFC Middleweight Tom Lawlor to Fight Team

Posted by :jcastle On : July 17, 2013
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Category: MMA Fighter Profile, MMA Institute, Training

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logoMMA Institute (MMAI), Virginia’s largest mixed martial arts gym, is already home to the largest fight team of pro and amateur fighters in the state. But on Monday, the gym added accomplished UFC Middleweight fighter Tom “Filthy” Lawlor to its roster.

Tom Lawlor (9-5, 1 NC) has been a MMA fan-favorite ever since competing on Season 8 of The Ultimate Fighter. Renowned for his aggressive fighting style, as well as his wildly entertaining and inventive walk-ins, Lawlor has achieved several notable victories in the UFC, such as his stunning submission victory vs. C.B. Dollaway at UFC 100; and more recently, a submission victory of Michael Kuiper at UFC on Fuel TV 9.

“I’m really excited to be here at MMA Institute. I’ve had a chance to watch a lot of the fighter training and take a look at a lot of the classes that go on here. I’m really impressed with the abilities of a lot of the guys,” Lawlor said. “As far as myself joining the gym and working with the rest of the team, I feel like I bring a lot to the table.”

Lawlor defines himself as a student of Mixed Martial Arts, and enjoys sharing his extensive knowledge and experience with other students.
“Not only is this transition going to help me; but it’s going to allow me to go ahead and give back to some of the younger fighters, and provide them with an example of hard work that will help them to achieve their goals in the future. These guys here have a really dedicated fight team, and it’s a really great atmosphere inside the gym,” Lawlor said.

MMA Institute Head Coach Rick McCoy has already experienced training and working with a UFC-level fighter, having previously coached Amir Sadollah, winner of Spike TV’s The Ultimate Fighter 7. But, he’s just as excited to see what Lawlor can contribute to the team. The MMAI Fight Team currently has a record of 422 wins, to 222 losses, which is likely to increase now that Lawlor will be imparting knowledge to the younger fighters, as well as contributing wins through his own professional fights.

“Tom is a great addition to our already talented competition team,” McCoy said. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, and fits in great with the team.”

“We have the best and most caring coach in Rick McCoy, and our gym is a family. Tom Lawlor is a great stand-up fighter and will make a good ‘fit’ with our family,” said Mike Wade, a Pro fighter on the MMAI Fight team. “Tom is one tough S.O.B and I am personally thrilled to have him here, pushing me daily. Not only will his joining MMA Institute be great for training purposes, but will also help us establish more legitimacy amongst bigger organizations.”

The fact that Tom Lawlor has moved to Richmond, Virginia to live and train is an important one. Aside from Aaron Riley, Tom Lawlor will now be the only other resident in the Commonwealth of Virginia to compete in the UFC.

Mixed Martial Arts is the fastest growing sport in the world, and having a fighter of Tom Lawlor’s caliber here will not only bring more recognition to MMA Institute, but it could also bring another professional sporting event to Richmond, Virginia as well. With venues like VCU’s Siegel Center and the Richmond Coliseum, which are both capable of housing a UFC event, Lawlor’s transition to Richmond could indeed encourage the UFC’s exploration of hosting a future showcase here. Lawlor is a well-known, professional athlete and his impact from a coaching and mentoring standpoint, as well as his presence to the already unique and vibrant culture of Richmond is something that should be noted by area residents.

“I’m so excited to have another high-level, elite pro fighter joining an already talented team of fighters,” said Luke Hunsaker, an Amateur fighter on the MMAI Fight Team. “I can’t wait to train and work with him, and I hope it brings well-deserved recognition to the gym’s fighters and coaches.”

MMA Institute is excited about the addition of Tom Lawlor to their Fight Team, as well as their coaching staff. His experience at the pinnacle of the professional level, as well as his passion for helping younger fighters, will help make the entire gym stronger, and greatly increase the level of fighting talent in Virginia’s MMA community.

About MMA Institute: The MMA Institute is Virginia’s largest Mixed Martial Arts school, and utilizes a 5,000-square-foot training facility in Richmond. With state-of-the-art equipment, and a team of 10 instructors, MMAI offers training classes in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Strength and Conditioning, Judo, Submission Wrestling, Sombo, Kettlebell Training, and Fighter Yoga. The gym also features a kids program designed around building children’s self esteem while instructing practical self-defense.

Why Edson Barboza is a Scary Dude

Posted by :jcastle On : July 8, 2013
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Category: Leg Kicks, Muay Thai, UFC Fight Recap

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With his victory over Rafaello Oliveira last Saturday, Edson Barboza has become the first person to finish two fights by TKO via Leg Kicks in the history of the UFC (and any ZUFFA-acquired promotions therein). His first TKO victory via Leg Kicks was achieved at UFC 123 against Michael Lullo at (0:26) of the 3rd round. Beyond just leading the UFC in leg kick TKO’s, the greater implications of what Edson Barboza accomplished last Saturday really make him stand out amongst an organization that is replete with skilled fighters.

Leg kicks are a part of just about any MMA fighters striking repertoire. They are one of the main cornerstones of Muay Thai, and have become so in Mixed Martial Arts as well. When a fighter lands kicks on his opponent’s leg, he can damage that leg and negatively impact his opponent’s effectiveness in just about every facet of MMA. A fighter who is on the receiving end of some well placed leg kicks will find that his abilities to shoot for takedowns, use footwork and speed to effectively strike and evade his opponents strikes, and even his general movement will be adversely effected and slowed, and the pain from repeated kicks to his legs could quite possibly begin to sap his will to fight in general.

Jose Aldo is a name that comes to mind when you think about a victory that was achieved, in no small part, by the brutally efficient execution of leg kicks. When Jose Aldo faced Urijah Faber at WEC 48, he hit Faber with a total of 32 leg kicks over the course of their five-round fight for the WEC’s Featherweight Championship. After weathering a fair amount of kicks, Urijah Faber was noticeably hobbled by the effects of the kicks, even falling to the canvas as a result of them. The overall impact of Jose Aldo’s effectiveness in hurting Urijah Faber’s legs resulted in a fight that saw Faber unable to mount much offense. Handily dominating their fight, Jose Aldo out-struck Urijah Faber by a ratio of almost 3-1, leaving Faber largely unable to utilize his highly vaunted wrestling skills with the effects of his leg kicks clearly affecting him adversely. Other notable MMA fighters to use leg kicks with great effectiveness are Forrest Griffin in his Title Fight against Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, as well Pedro Rizzo in a slew of his fights.

Edson Barboza wasted very little time before utilizing the cornerstone of his strategy, blasting Rafaello Oliveira with a leg kick in short order to begin the first round. Olivera’s troubles seemed to be mounting quickly, where he was noticeably staggered by a fourth kick to his lead leg at (3:47) in the first round. At (0:46) Oliveira was again hobbled after taking the eleventh kick to his lead leg alone, and began limping a bit as a result. At the end of the first round, Rafaello Oliveira was on the receiving end of 14 kicks to his lead leg. After taking his fourth leg kick of the round at (3:57) of the second round, Oliveira was again hobbling in pain. Edson Barboza immediately landed another thudding leg kick, sending Oliveira falling forwards, trying to salvage his involuntary collapse into some sort of takedown attempt, from which Barboza easily backed away from. With a sixth leg kick, Barboza sent Oliveira crashing to the mat again at the (3:36) mark, backing away to let Oliveira attempt to get up and ostensibly take more punishment. When Oliveira got to his feet, he was noticeably limping as a result of the damage to his leg, leaving him in a precarious situation as the fight continued. Edson Barboza landed his seventh and eighth leg kicks in the span of three seconds, sending Oliveira crashing to the mat again. Clearly unable to get up and continue to take such mounting punishment, referee Herb Dean waved the fight of as a TKO stoppage at (3:17) into the second round.

With a total of twenty-two leg kicks, Edson Barboza left his opponent unable to stand in less than a round and a half. While the fight also showed his ability to fend off any attempts by Oliveira to bring the fight to the ground, Barboza’s striking acumen and brutal utilization of leg kicks really were his crowning achievement in the fight. With his ability to use leg kicks so effectively, Barboza presents a daunting opponent for fighters of a striking or grappling persuasion. As evidenced in many of his past fights, fighters looking to strike with Barboza are often subjected to a fast-paced and dizzying array of strikes, often to their detriment. A grappling based fighter, such as Oliveira, will also be on the receiving end of a great deal of strikes in their attempts (or inability) to close the distance and get Edson Barboza to the ground.

With only a single UFC loss to his name, an upset of a TKO loss to Jamie Varner, Edson Barboza is certainly poised to make waves in the UFC’s Lightweight division. Barboza requested a match-up against a Top-Five opponent for his next fight, which I sincerely hope the UFC will oblige him with. At this point, I think there might be some fighters in lofty positions in the Lightweight division that aren’t necessarily looking forward to such a match-up. Time will tell whether this is the case.

As I said before, almost all MMA fighters utilize leg kicks, but very few of them utilize them to the degree that Edson Barboza does. Edson Barboza is a scary prospect for anyone to face in a fight, or at least anyone who enjoys his or her ability to walk.

I certainly would not want to be on the receiving end of dozens of leg kicks from Edson Barboza. Generally speaking, I do enjoy my ability to walk quite a lot.