MIDLAND, TX, July 28, 2012 – Next up in our interview series for 24/7 Entertainment’s America’s Most Wanted event scheduled for this Saturday night in Odessa, we speak to West Texas native Jarret Jones. Hell be fighting in front of a hometown crowd at the Far West Events Center when he takes on Alejandro Siller, a San Angelo native who’ll be in his way as he looks to get back to his winning ways.
Here are Jarret’s thoughts prior to this weekend’s event.
Interview – Jarrett Jones (West Texas MMA)
How did you get into training MMA? Tell us a little bit about your history with this sport.
I got into training MMA in 2006 after coming across West Texas MMA. I’ve always been an athlete and was looking for something I could start competing in. BJJ came first, MMA shortly followed.
Any memorable moments so far in your career?
Definitely the most memorable moment was the twister I pulled off against Ox Jones last year. And then winning the award from you guys made it that much sweeter. All of my wins are by submission and I remember everyone being pretty awesome too. Nothing better than a victory.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned so far in MMA?
MMA has taught me that you can do anything if you work hard I’ve worked really hard at it over the years.
Other than MMA, what other sports/hobbies are you into? What do you do for fun when you’re not training?
Don’t really have any hobbies other than fighting and working out, and since those are my job all day my spare time is spent with wife and daughter. We enjoy being active outside taking walks or bike riding and not stuck in front of a TV watching or playing video games.
What do you think defines you most as a fighter and as a person? Any positive or negative experiences stick out the most?
My work ethic is what defines me as athlete, a trainer, and a person. I put 100% effort into everything that I do. And hard work always pays off in the end. I’m not a natural bad-ass at anything but if I want it bad enough ill put in the work and dedication to get there. Sometimes my stubbornness is not always for the best, such as when I was convinced that I needed to by a lightweight fighter. I would make weight every time because my determination but the outcome was always detrimental to my performance. Took me a while to figure out that cutting 20 lbs of water weight and still compete on a high level is not a smart idea. But I’ve learned and am looking to fight next week at 170lbs w/ absolutely no weight cut at all.
Who has helped you get ready for your upcoming fight? How prepared do you feel?
Of course my team here in Midland, West Texas MMA has been there helping me everyday like they have been since the beginning. Along w/ our new MMA instructor Mike Neauman. Mike has been a asset to my training for this fight, I’ve always been pretty strict BJJ fighter w/ a few hard punches and kicks in me but mike has met with me 1-0n-1 almost daily for the 3-4 months working on my standup game and I feel pretty complete as a fighter. I also train at Rhino BJJ w/ Bruno Bastos & Brad Barnes. And my long time friend and training partner Clay Hantz has made the trip down here a couple times to train with me as well. Pretty good camp for this upcoming fight.
What can the crowd expect from you on fight night?
Fighting in my home town is always awesome. I grew up in Odessa and have a lot of friends and family who support me here. Everyone can expect me to represent west Texas the best I can with a solid 1st rd win and professional level of sportsmanship. I don’t talk crap I just train and stay calm. When it’s time to fight I turn it on get that win.
What do you know about your opponent? Any predictions as far as how you expect to win?
I’m fighting Alex Siller out of San Angelo; I’ve seen him fight before no to long ago against Chase Watson. He was then fighting at 205lbs and I remember him being a really big guy. So I’m thinking that the weight cut he’s going to have to go through will work in my favor. I know my BJJ is better than his and I plan taking it to the ground and ripping something off in my usually intense manner. But if it stays up I can honestly say I feel comfortable there and it would be nice to get a KO on my record but I don’t plan on any head hunting.
What’s next for you after this?
I’m just taking it one step at a time, I love fighting a doing a good job at it right now. There’s always hope for the big shows like Legacy, Bellator, & the UFC but right now I like fighting for my fans and that’s right here at home. I believe there’s another 24/7 show coming up in October that I would like to get on and there’s a brown belt just waiting on me, so I gotta get some more BJJ tournaments going this year as well.
Any last words?
Yeah just want to thank all my friends, family, and coaches you guys push me through workouts and support me when I need it. And thanks to all my athletes at basin cross fit that trust me with their health and fitness. They are the ones that really make my dreams of training all day a reality.
Thanks for the interview mike!