GARLAND, TX, February 8, 2012 – DFW’s next professional MMA event, XKO 14, is just over a week away. It should be another good one for Chris and Thomas Bussey along with their entire loyal fan base that travels to The Gym for these events. We’ll be talking to a few of the athletes set to appear at XKO 14 leading up to fight night here on TXMMA.com.

To begin, we speak with Jonathan (Johnny) Wise, a 24 year old fighter out of the Garland Police Boxing Academy. who’ll be taking on Texas Fighting Syndicate’s Burt McDonald on February 18th in Arlington.

XKO 14 Interview – Jonathan Wise (Garland Police Boxing Academy)

Johnny, before we talk about the upcoming fight tell us a little about yourself and how you got into MMA... 

I started training in high school when a few friends introduced me to a man named Paul Kirksey, to help me get in shape for track season. When I found out he taught martial arts, I started learning from him. After a few years, I realized we were doing more MMA than traditional martial arts, and the only place to test what I had learned would be in a cage. My real passion is strength and conditioning, so I would like to be a coach someday, my own gym also. For now I’m my own test dummy, trial and error though fire. Outside of the gym, life’s pretty docile. I’ve gotten a lot more into nutrition, so I’m more of a food nut. Other than that, I go to work, then to the gym, nap and repeat

What can you tell us about your fight career so far? Any high or low points come to mind?

My high and low point in my career is my last fight, against George Pacurariu of Octagon MMA. That gym makes monsters! He hit me with an overhand and submitted me with an armbar. I left humbled so all I’ve been doing is training, learning what I can from whoever will show me.

So what’s your training schedule look like now?

My training schedule is painful. I’ve been doing a lot more stand up training, I have a new lifting routine, and new training partners. My gym is small, so I’ve had a lot of focus which is great. I feel like I’ve learned a lot in the past couple of months.

How would you describe yourself as a fighter at this point? What can fans expect from you on fight night?

I’m a strong fighter, and simple. I don’t like moving backwards and I don’t like waiting on an opponent. Expect to see a slugfest, I’ve been striking a lot and I’m ready to put it in work.

How do you feel about this upcoming fight with Burt McDonald at XKO 14? Any thoughts?

I feel great, strongest I’ve been! I see this fight being painful. I want to end it quick but I don’t see myself getting out of the ring without a few bruises. I know he’s a striker, strong, and moves in a lot. I’ve been training as hard as I can to be prepared, lots of sparring partners, and a lot of boxers coming in and out of the gym.

What’s next for you after this fight?

After this fight, I plan on visiting gyms, getting some new training in. work on growing my gym, and working with my training partners to get them into the amateur and pro circles.

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