Just Another “Maniac” Monday with John Malbrough; Fighting Jonathan Harris this Saturday at Legacy!

When it comes to going to work, few fighters have the blue collar ethic of John “Maniac” Malbrough, an up-and-coming welterweight fighting for the Legacy Fighting Championship promotion.

Heading up to this Saturday’s Legacy event at the Arena Theater, John Malbrough has been one of Houston MMA’s most visible fighters, making the rounds connecting with area fans by making the rounds and signing autographs at events such as his meet-and-greet at the Houston Aero’s recent MMA night.

With a moniker like “Maniac,” fans that haven’t had the opportunity to meet the man may be quick to label him as a “stereotypical” MMA fighter, tribal tattoos and all.

Truth be told though, John Malbrough is far from typical.

As a fighter, John has proven himself as a courageous professional with an unblemished 2-0 record. Fairly new to the pro scene, those recent wins only add on to experience gained through hard-fought battles in the amateur ranks against the likes of Pat Bierschwale, John Thieubolt, and Andrew Craig.

Regardless of his maniacal performances inside the cage, outside in his everyday life may perhaps be where this “Maniac” shines most.

A loving husband to his beautiful wife Danielle and father of two, John is every bit as devoted to family life as he is to his burgeoning professional fight career, often staying home to take care of the kids. He sometimes even brings them up to the gym with him during training days, pulling double-duty keeping one eye on the prize and the other on the kids.

As a small business owner managing his company, Malbrough’s Mobile Mechanic Services, John has recently applied that same entrepreneurial devotion to his fight career, promoting sponsors such as Armbar Submission Gear and even going as far as tattooing their logo to his own skin!

Fans can look forward to seeing John “Maniac” Malbrough in action this Saturday, April 9th for Legacy, where he’s set to take on knockout artist Jonathan “Hulk” Harris as he looks to continue climbing the ladder towards a welterweight title shot.

Here’s what John has to say prior to his upcoming bout.

John, how has training been going for you heading up to this Saturday?

It’s going great, man. Been doing two-a-days for the last month! I’m in great shape and ready to fight.

Yeah, you looked pretty impressive in your last Legacy fight with Patrick Green. What were your thoughts on that fight?

I thought it was a great fight man. I was really impressed with myself. I’ve been training really hard. Like I said, that’s been what I’ve been focused on lately and it kinda showed up, definitely paid off. That was definitely a tough fight, one of the toughest I’ve had so far and I kinda whooped him a little bit so that was good. He was pretty strong, a really strong guy.

You’re known as one of the most popular personalities here in the Houston MMA scene. Why don’t you think fans like you so much?

Man, I don’t know, to be honest with you. I guess I’m just a down-to-earth guy. I try to be real humble and get along with everybody. <laughs> I don’t know, you tell me bro, I have no idea.

I think you hit it on the head in that you’re a fighter fans can identify with. Speaking of which, I know you’re a dad too along with being a fighter and stay home a bunch with your kids. What’s that like?

Man, it’s rough bro. Trying to balance it all… time with the kinds, taking them to the gym with me, keeping an eye on them while I’m still training… it’s rough man, real hard. Like I said, I really feel for those stay-at-home moms out there doing that full-time. I’ll tell you that.

Let’s say a new guy in the same situation, with kids, just decided to make a run at becoming a fighter. What one piece of advice would you have for that person?

Just stick with it. It’ll get hard, but just stick through it because it’s worth it in the end.

Besides taking care of your family, what else does the “Maniac” do outside the cage?

I like to watch movies, hang out, take the kids to the park… I like to go out of course every once in awhile. I don’t get to do it too much because I’m a dad but I enjoy getting out sometimes. Normal stuff, I guess.

Amen to that. Now on to your next fight with Jonathan “Hulk” Harris this Saturday. What are your thoughts on this fight?

I honestly think it’s going to be an easier fight for me. I know I just really have to watch out for his knockouts but I don’t think he’s as well-rounded of a fighter as most people I have fought. I know he’s a hard hitter and I have to be careful with that. Me and my coaches have been countering a lot of right hands, flipping the right hand, and just getting ready for his style of fight.

Do those two quick knockouts he’s had in the past factor into your mentality for this fight?

Aww, no man. Not at all. I mean, I know I have to be cautious with it but I honestly think I’m a more well-rounded fighter than he is, definitely.

Where do you think this fight will take place – on the feet or on the ground?

I think it’s probably going to end up going to the ground and I’m going to end up finishing him, just the same way Mikey (Bronzoulis) did.

How far away do you think you’ll be from a title shot if you win this fight with Harris?

Hopefully soon man. That’s my ultimate goal right there. That’s what I want, I want that belt.

So if Mick offered that shot to you the next time around, you’d take it?

Of course dude. Without a doubt.

Nice. Any last words to your fans out there before Saturday?

Thanks to everybody for the support. I’m going to do my best to keep winning fights and keep training hard. I’ll go out there and do the best job I can to keep you guys happy.

Acknowledgements Of course thank you to Armbar Submission Gear, Kingwood Bagel, and of course Kingwood MMA.

Our Full Coverage of the April 9th Legacy Fighting Championship

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