Saturday, July 5, 2014

UFC Lightweight James Moontasri on his UFC debut, how he got into MMA, his idols and more.

Earlier today we caught up with UFC Lightweight fighter James Moontasri, we talked about his UFC debut, how he got into Mixed Martial Arts, and more.

(Photo courtesy of Zuffa)
MMAjr: Hi, what have you been up to since your UFC debut? 
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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