Brad Cox Interview by Matt Little
Brad Cox is a relatively new fighter on the professional MMA scene but has been in and around it for quite some time. When he’s not busy fighting fires and saving lives he is busy training MMA. He looks to extend his professional MMA record to 2-0 Friday, August 6th.
-What gym are you currently training and fighting out of?
I am training full time at Fitness Fight Factory (F3). I periodically get some work in at Hicks MMA as well.
-How long have you been training and when did you begin your career in MMA?
I’ve been training for around six years in total. I got my start training Muay Thai over at Saekson Janjira and had a great opportunity to work with the likes of WEC veteran Anthony Njokuani and his younger brother Chidi Njokuani. After I became more proficient in striking I decided to focus on my ground game. I trained with Yousef Alirezaei at Star Jiu-Jitsu for 2.5-3 years. I eventually moved over to Hicks MMA and spent about two years there before ending up at F3. My amateur debut in MMA began in 2007. My professional career began in late 2009 where I currently sit at 1-0.
-What got you interested in combat sports?
I have played sports my entire life. I loved played basketball while I was in high school. During college I attended The University of Mary-Hardin Baylor where I played Linebacker for the football team. My brother and I got into power lifting as well and realized that you can only play these sports for so long. We both got into trouble fighting as kids and found that Muay Thai was a positive outlet both physically and mentally. I really feel like Saekson took me under his wing during my time there. The transition to MMA was just a natural progression thereafter.
-Tell me about your occupation outside of fighting.
I am a fireman and paramedic for the City of Dallas. I have been doing this for about eight years now.
-Talk about what a typical week is like for you.
My week starts out at church. This is mandatory. I feel that I have to get my spiritual side taken care of before all else. I talk to God before hitting the mat and work. Bible study, praise, and worship come before everything else in my life. I never neglect my mind, body, and spirit regardless of how much I may have to work, train, or study the bible.
As a fireman and paramedic, I work about 9-10 days per month. This affords me an incredible amount of time to focus on training. It’s truly a fighters dream. During the weekdays I start out with strength and conditioning. By mid-day I work on my cardio and my evenings consist of Muay Thai, wrestling, and/or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This is typical for me two months prior to a fight. During the offseason when I’m not preparing for a fight I usually train twice a day.
-Tell me about your opponent for this fight.
I just found out after training tonight that I am fighting Larry Hopkins out of Houston. He is now my 5th opponent on this card. So many guys have fallen through but this one looks to be signed and sealed. I honestly don’t know anything about him. I will depend on my trainer Rafael Casias to help me game plan against my opponent. I personally don’t want to focus on that aspect. I would prefer my trainers work on that so that I can focus on brining the best me to this fight.
-How has your preparation been for this fight?
I never want to feel unprepared when I step into the cage. I rest easy knowing that my opponent will never train harder than me. Having a twin brother like Brian (Cox) pushes me to the limit in training. This gives me an edge that many fighters don’t have. My brother is my corner man, training partner, and best friend. This has been the best camp I’ve ever had for an MMA fight. I’ve been able to train with Division 1 wrestlers which has been a big benefit to me. In the past I have had a lot of larger training partners but this camp has consisted of some smaller guys whom I feel has helped make my game faster. Everything seems to be falling into place. My cardio and strength are great. I am very fortunate to have great training partners.
-What do you feel are your biggest strengths as a fighter?
I feel like I can go toe-to-toe with any 205’er and fast/agile enough to deal with any 155’er. At the end of the day I know that if all else fails, I can call on God to help take me to the next level when I need help.
-What are your long term goals?
I live every day like it’s my last. I feel that my career is set and fighting professional MMA and making money doing it is a dream come true. I allow my manager to take care of my fights and feel that God will take care of my life. Getting the most out of every day is important to me. I know that when God comes back I only hope that he is pleased with what I have done during my time here.
-Is there anyone you would like to thank?
I would like to thank my F3 Fight Team, Saekson Janjira, and Marcus Hicks. Thanks House of Pain (MMA clothing) and my newest sponsor Unrivaled (MMA clothing), all of my family and friends. I would like to extend a special thanks to the Covenant Church of Carrollton. The first time I walked in it changed my life.
-Matt Little is currently a blue belt uder JD Shelley at North Dallas Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (NDBJJ) and an amateur MMA writer.