May 1, 2011 – One of the co-main events of this Friday’s Cage Combat 3: Independence features a lightweight title bout between Hossan Walker of Paradigm Training Center and our next interviewee, Aaron Croon of Team Tooke.
Aaron, before we get to the fight stuff, tell our readers a little bit about who you are outside of competition.
Well I just like to have fun really. I work a lot and am also going back to school, all this while taking care of my family, so whenever I get a chance I just like to have fun with family and friends.
Why did you decide to jump into MMA?
Two men inside a cage, no weapons, no armor, just hands, feet, and wits fighting for honor, fighting for pride, fighting for validation who. Wouldn’t want to be a part of that!
Man! being one of the lighter weight guys sucks especially when your sparring phenomenal fighters like G Moreira, Andrew Craig, Levi West, Andrew Muzqiz, Eric Garcia, Justin Castillo, and now we got Adam Schindler, Chris Lopez, and big Hurricane Ike so it gets pretty intense.
What’s your typical training day like, from waking up to going to sleep at night?
I get up around 5:30 eat breakfast. I hit the gym by 6:30 for some weights and conditioning. From 8 to 5 I’m working at Labrada Nutrition. Then head to team Tooke at 6 for Muay Thai and BJJ training. Get home jump rope and shadow box in the garage for 5 rounds and shower go to sleep and do it all over again.
I see you’ve been active in the grappling scene as well. What’s the difference in how you approach that and MMA?
Well, when I compete I get really nervous that is why I train so hard, because I know I’m going to be nervous but in my mind I know I put in the work so there’s no difference at between the two I go out there and do what I’m trained to do but when I’m competing in BJJ I know I can’t get punched in the face so I’m a little happier.
What are you more passionate about?
Describe your style as a fighter. What do you see yourself as?
Some say I’m a ground guy but I got a hell of a jab and my stand up is improving every day. I just feel so comfortable on the ground no matter if it’s on my back or on top so what the hell call me a ground guy.
This upcoming fight next Friday against Hossan Walker. What do you know about him?
Hossan is tough fighter he pushes the pace in all of his fights and just wears his opponents down but I’m 100% prepared for whatever he brings.
How do you see this fight going in your mind?
I’ve fought this fight hundreds of times in my head and every time my hand is raised in victory.
Any plans to go pro anytime soon if you win this title?
No, I have no reason to rush and go pro. I see a lot of guys go pro and they’re not ready. I don’t want to be one of those guys. MMA is something I take very seriously and there is a lot of talented fighters out there so I’m taking my time also I’m just having fun fighting. I do plan to go back to 145 after this later in the year.
Any last words man?
Just want to give a big thank you to my wife for all the support and all my training partners and my team Tooke family.Thanks to Precision Shooting Instruction, Labrada Nutrition and A-1 barbers and thank you for the interview.