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(Photo courtesy of Zuffa) |
James Moontasri: Nothing much, I've been healing my injuries and spending some time with my loved ones.
MMAjr: Obviously your UFC debut didn't go to plan, so where do you go from here? Is there anybody specific you would like to fight?
James Moontasri: My debut didn't go as planned but I wouldn't change anything. It was such an amazing experience. I went from sitting in a Panda Express eating to 11 days later fighting on the main card live on FOX TV. It was the best experience of my life and I can't wait to get back in their with whoever the UFC pairs me with.
MMAjr: When did you decide you wanted to make a career out of Mixed Martial Arts?
James Moontasri: After the 2008 USA Olympic Tae Kwon Do I knew I didn't want to pursue another 4 years in Tae Kwon Do, that's when I started to transition into Mixed Martial Arts.
MMAjr: When you started training in Mixed Martial Arts, did you truly believe that you would one day fight in the UFC?
James Moontasri: Yes, when I started Mixed Martial Arts, my goal was to make it to the UFC, now my goal is to stay for a very long time.
MMAjr: You faced Joe Ellenberger in your UFC debut, do you think you done anything really well in that fight?
James Moontasri: I think I did a lot of things really well in the fight.
MMAjr: And was there anything you thought you could have improved?
James Moontasri: There was some things I could have changed but I can't change the past, I can only think about the future. The experience is going to make me so much stronger.
MMAjr: Was there any one person that really inspired you to start MMA, and if so, who?
James Moontasri: There wasn't really one person. Seeing MMA fighters with traditional backgrounds like Lyoto Machida, Anderson Silva and GSP really inspired me and now that I train with Lyoto daily he is one of my role models.
MMAjr: A good friend of yours, Lyoto Machida is challenging for the belt later tonight, do you think he will do it? And how?
James Moontasri: I am rooting for Lyoto. I know it will be a tough fight but I think Lyoto's speed and timing will play to his advantage.
MMAjr: If you could look back at your career after you retire, what would be the one thing you would like to say you have accomplished?
James Moontasri: If there was one thing I could lie about, I would tell people I gave Lyoto Machida a hard time during sparring.
MMAjr: Who are your biggest idols?
James Moontasri: My biggest idols are my Mother, my Sister and Lyoto Machida.
MMAjr: Children now are growing up watching the likes of Jon Jones and Cain Velasquez compete, but who did you grow up watching?
James Moontasri: I grew up mainly watching Lyoto Machida, Anderson Silva and Georges Saint Pierre. And I still do watch them.
MMAjr: Also, who do you think is the best fighter in the world right now?
James Moontasri: I think Jose Aldo is the best Pound for Pound fighter in the world right now.
MMAjr: If you could put yourself up against any active fighter in any weight class, who would it be?
James Moontasri: I'd probably put myself in their against Jon Jones.
MMAjr: And if you could fight any retired fighter from any weight class, who would that be?
James Moontasri: I would fight Art Jimmerson.
MMAjr: If you could be remembered for one thing after you retire, what would it be?
James Moontasri: I would like to be remembered for my passion for Martial Arts and how much I love teaching kids.
MMAjr: Thank you for the interview, James. Hopefully you'll have a full camp for your next fight, its been a pleasure.
James Moontasri: Thank you!
It was great speaking to James Moontasri, such a down to earth person with a great future in the UFC. ! Follow him on Twitter. @jmoontasri
Tweet me and tell me who you want to see me interview next. @JohnKingMMA
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