Jeff Lawson: Interview

Fightkit are proud to announce that they will be sponsoring Jeff Lawson in his fight against highly ranked Dave Lee at BAMMA 3 on May 15th.

Lawson a veteran of the TUF 9 UK vs USA is making his second outing at Featherweight, after his successful debut against previously undefeated Karsten Lenjoint. Lawson, who previously competed at Lightweight, is taking on  former UFC fighter Dave Hill in a bout that promises to be fast paced and highly technical.

The massively anticipated BAMMA 3 fight card is full of UK and international MMA talent and features the likes of Tom ‘Kong’ Watson, Rob Sinclair and Matt Horwich. Originally Watson was scheduled to fight tabloid favourite Alex Reid but with only weeks to go before the fight Reid pulled out and was replaced by UFC veteran Matt Horwich.

Fightkit spoke to Jeff Lawson during fight week.

FK: Jeff thanks for taking the time to talk to us in the build up to your fight on BAMMA 3. How are you finding life at your new weight?

Jeff: I’m very, very strong at featherweight i wish i would have been more enthusiastic to make the weight drop sooner!!!

FK: Can you give us a little insight into how you have made the cut in terms of diet and training?

Jeff: I do a simple 6 week calorie controlled diet. That way I bring it down safley over that long period so the cut doesn’t affect me and i can be the same person in the cage as i am in training.

FK: What weight do you walk around at? Which food do you miss the most when training?

Jeff: I walk around at 75kg that’s generally the heaviest I get. I love all food it’s just the freedom I miss. I’m a slave to MMA really.

FK: After a long training camp which feels better 3 hard rounds before pulling off a late stoppage or a quick 30 second knock-out? Why?

Jeff: Quick finish every time! No injuries and the fact I’ve never been into the 3rd Round shows that it is my favoured way to do it, but I need to do 3 rounds as a test at least once.

FK: How did you get started in MMA? How did your first MMA fight go?

Jeff: As most people know i started with Judo and had some good success, but my style of Judo transfers into MMA perfectly so I though why not earn money out of it as there is no money in Judo!

Well my first fight was amateur, I have a pretty good Amateur record. Winning 10 straight in the 1st round with good old “Jujigatame” (Armbar).

FK: Who is the best fighter you have fought and or sparred with?

Jeff: Fought would either be Andre Winner or Greg Loughran.  I’ve just recently come back from training at the Nottingham Rough House where I sparred with Paul ‘Semtex’ Daley who is undoubtedly the best person I’ve ever sparred with.

FK: Both yourself and Jimi Manuwa recently signed sponsorship deals with ADX. ADX are getting a great reputation for high quality gear, how do you find their clothing?

Jeff: Great kit, absolutely love it! It’s comfortable fits well and looks great!

FK: Your fight with Dave Lee is shaping up to be one for the grappling enthusiast. How do you see the fight going?

Jeff: I’m going to win….quick!

FK: ZUFFA have recently made a few moves to sign up UK fighters, with your previous experience on TUF 9 do you think Jeff Lawson could be next?

Jeff: I would relish a chance to fight in the Zuffa promotion The WEC. Right now I’m excited to be contracted to Shine Fight Promotions where boxing legend Ricardo Mayorga and Din Thomas are competing this weekend, but after that who knows.

FK: When you look at the high profile bouts that British fighters have been involved with over the last few years (for example:  Evans v Bisping, Hardy v GSP and more recently Koscheck v Daley) do you think there is a pattern emerging in terms of the level of wrestling in the UK and overseas?

Jeff: Well it’s just something we don’t have much of over here our striking is awesome but we lack in wrestling we will catch up though I’m sure.

FK: Are there any sponsors you would like to thank?

Yes, I really appreciate all my sponsors supporting me for this fight and the ones that sponsor me in general:

Fightkit, JST Nutrition, Frontline Fighter, ADX, Love MMA, Punch Town, Hooligans United, Jaco Clothing, Viridian, Nutrichef, Cherry Active, FBT Pro, MU-SA.

This entry was posted on Friday, May 14th, 2010 at 9:52 am and is filed under INTERVIEWS. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.