DALLAS, TX, July 8, 2011 – Yesterday we began our Shark Fights 17 interview series by interviewing Jay Flores, an enthusiastic fighter out of Lufkin, TX making his Shark Fights debut on the July 15th card set for Frisco’s Dr. Pepper Arena and to be broadcast LIVE on HDNet.
Today we speak to his opponent Matt “The Crowbar” Hobar out of Octagon MMA in Downtown Dallas.
Undefeated at 2-0 with a wrestling background that has the bulk of his twenty-four years on this earth, Matt entered MMA in order to continue competing and test himself physically. Beginning his career at Shark Fights 14 this past March, Matt has been able to finish both of his opponents in convincing fashion.
With his eye on his third consecutive win versus Jay Flores, we spoke to Matt to get his perspective on life and fighting on the way to his next appearance at Shark Fights 17.
Thanks for taking the interview on your way to Shark Fights 17. How do you feel heading up to this fight?
I feel great. All I do is train so I am very excited and anxious for fight time to come around already.
For our readers that haven’t seen you fight yet, can you tell them a little about your background. How long have you been training and why did you get into MMA in the first place?
I started wrestling at the age of four. I wrestled up until I was 18 years old. I was a two-time state champion in both Greco and Freestyle wrestling and was also an All-American in high school. I didn’t want to wrestle in college because I was very burnt out and tired of cutting so much weight all the time. I took some time off in college and after two years, I realized that I really missed working hard physically and also the competitive aspect wrestling gave me, so I decided to start Jiu Jitsu. It snowballed from there and before I knew it I was standing in a cage trying to knock another guy’s teeth out. I was hooked from then on.
How would you describe your style as a fighter?
Constantly evolving. I will always have my wrestling/grappling background to fall back on but I have no problem standing toe to toe. You can’t be successful in this sport being one-dimensional or without changing your game plan up.
What about outside the cage – what else do you like to do in your spare time?
I’m a huge music guy. I play guitar, drums, piano, bass, you name. I go to any good concert that comes through Dallas.
Who gave you the nickname “Crowbar” and what does it mean?
I got the name “Crowbar” in high school wrestling. All of my favorite moves in wrestling made it seem like I could pry anyone onto their backs and get back points or the pin (equivalent to a submission in jiu-jitsu for those who don’t know wrestling. It ends the match instantly.)
Regarding Shark Fights 17, you’ll be taking on Jay Flores. What do you know about him?
I know he is mainly a stand up fighter and that he has Jiu Jitsu as well. Ground or standing, I am prepared for any type of fight that this will turn into.
Are you guys doing anything special at Octagon MMA to prepare for this one?
We are training extremely hard because this is a big show. We are doing two a day practices with emphasis on heavy cardio. Having good cardio is a large portion of the battle.
Do you care to share your predictions as to how you expect this one to finish?
Of course, anything can happen in a fight but I have trained too hard for this to go to chance. We train until we know victory is inevitable.
Provided you win, you’ll be 3-0 with two wins in Shark Fights. What’s next for you after this one?
Maybe a little rest and then on to the next one. That’s it. I’m not going to stop until Dana White gives me a call.
Anything else you’d like to share before the fight?
My parents have been my biggest supporters through my journey that I feel is just beginning. There is no greater encouragement than having them be my biggest fans so thanks to my mom and dad.
Any sponsors you’d like to acknowledge before we go?
I would like to thank Nutrishop in uptown Dallas as well as Southpaw’s Organic Cafe. I could never do this without God watching over me and I know he is the reason for where I am today.
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