Jason Chambers confirms UFC debut
Source: ADCC
Mixed Martial Arts veteran Jason Chambers is going to make his UFC debut on what could possibly be the biggest UFC pay-per-view event, when Matt Hughes takes on the legendary Royce Gracie at UFC 60 live from the Staple Center in Los Angeles, California on Saturday, May 27th, 2006. Chambers sat down with ADCC News to discuss pass fights and his fight at the upcoming event and that magnitude of Hughes vs. Gracie.
ADCC: Jason, let’s talk about your last two fights. You had a split decision loss to Michihiro Omigawa and a draw Kosuto Umeda in Japan. Were those fights frustrating for you and what was your experience in Japan like? JASON: My overall experience in Japan was excellent. The fans, the city, the food, all was well in Japan. Aside from the jet lag from the 14 hour flight, I really enjoyed my time there. I would like to go back to see more of what Japan has to offer from a traditional viewpoint however.
With regards to my fights, I have mixed emotions. I was very unhappy with my performance in Deep with Umeda. Even though he was able to take me down, he just laid and prayed. I should have not worn gi pants. I never train in them but thought it might negate the sweat issues. I also should have endeavored to make things happen on the ground. He didn’t come to fight, which is unfortunate because I wanted to put a great show on for the fans. The fight was as boring as a John Tesh concert. Omigawa, came to fight. This guy has heart. Wow, does he have heart. I was very impressed with his warrior spirit. In the first round I came out with some good shots and dropped him, took his back twice, mounted him twice, and really dominated the round. I was unable to sink in a rear naked choke which took a lot of energy. I thought the ref was going to stop the fight at several points because he was not defending and rolled under the ropes. The next two rounds were fairly close. Long story short, I feel I won that fight, but you cannot leave it to the judges. And I won’t ever again if I can help it.
ADCC: Out of all your fights, which was the toughest? JASON I once fought a bum in a 7-11 parking lot. He really wanted my slurpee, but I don't part with my cherry slurpee for anyone. He got the takedown but I mounted and choked him out under a minute. (laughs) Okay, maybe not. My toughest fight was Thiago Alves. It was also my best fight. That fight taught me way more than all my previous fights combined. If it had not been for that fight I would not be as conscious as to my short comings as a fighter. A loss is a win if you learn from it.
ADCC: You will be fighting Spencer Fisher at UFC 60 on May 27, 2006. How does it feel to finally get into the UFC after 20 plus mixed martial arts fights? JASON: UFC? I thought I was fighting at KFC? After my 7-11 fight my manager, Kimbo, told me he'd get me into bigger venues. He's really did well, UFC, huh. Man I should be training not doing interviews (laughs). Its a dream come true. Cliché, yes, but the truth. And to be fighting on the same card as Royce and Matt, its like meeting a hot chick that has money and likes other girls. You just never think its possible until it happens!
ADCC: A lot of fighters when they make their UFC debut claim that there is a sense of anxiousness that they go through that takes them out of their game. Do you think this might be a problem for you making your UFC debut on what could possibly be one the biggest draws in UFC history with the main event of Matt Hughes vs. Royce Gracie? JASON: I am going to wear depends, just in case. I am also an actor so I live in front of a camera, I love it. I feed on it. I am sure to some extent its going to be nerve wrecking, but for the most part I just view it as another job I do on television.
ADCC: Your opponent, Spencer Fisher, has the power to knock out someone and the ability to submit them as well. Have you seen some footage of him and do you see any part of his game that you can capitalize on? JASON: Yes, I have tape on him. I really haven’t watched it yet to be honest. I love all the MFS (Miletich Fighting System) guys. I’ve known Pat (Miletich) , Matt and Mark (Hughes) for over 10 years from back in the mid west, so I follow their camp and their guys. I’ve seen Spencer fight 2 times and have to admit I'm a fan. But I'm all business inside the ring.
ADCC: You have been training with Eddie Bravo at 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu. If you had it your way, would you like for this fight to take place on the ground for the most part? JASON: Spencer has great hands and knees so it’s really a tough fight for me, but I do feel my best odds are on the ground. I am ready to stand too though.
ADCC: What is your prediction of the main event between Hughes and Gracie? JASON: Well, I have the most respect in the world for both these guys. Royce is a legend. He started the sport. He is the sport. Matt is the new breed of the sport. I think it’s going be a passing of the torch. Most fighters don't like to take sides, but I got to go with Matt on this one. I just cannot see how Royce is going to take him down.
ADCC: 10 Planet Jiu Jitsu seems to be a “hot spot” for some UFC fighters. Can you name some of the fighters that have walked through the doors to get some training in? JASON: Currently I am helping Karo Parisyan get ready for his fight in April. Aside from that we've had Randy Couture, Drew Fickett, Frank Trigg, Dan Henderson, Chuck Liddell, Nino Shimbrei, Caol Uno, Tait Fletcher, Jason Miller, Amir Ranavardi, Barret Yoshida, Phil Baroni, Ricco Rodriguez, and Conor Huen who is going to be a name to look out for in the future. These are just the guys I can remember seeing in there!
ADCC: When these fighters come in, do they give pointers and exchange strategies with everyone? JASON: For the most part they do some give-and-take. Eddie Bravo has zero ego, he'll usually ask a visiting fighter to show his favorite move if they’d like and he always rolls with them. I respect that. Lots of top guys don't want to roll with threats in front of their students, not Eddie.
ADCC: What is a normal work out day for you and what things do you avoid during a training regime for a fight? JASON: I actually have a few secrets in the bag for this fight. I don’t want give away too much but I avoid beer and liquor. Not simple carbs or refined sugars. The basic stuff. I also try to incorporate more brunettes into my diet as they are higher in fiber than blondes (laughs).
ADCC: Good luck Jason and do you have anything to say to your fans and sponsors? JASON: I am very honored to be fighting for the greatest organization in the world. Thanks to everyone who’s helped me get this far not just in fighting but in life. Mom, Dad, Shawn Terrance, Joe Goytia, Eddie Bravo, Dean Chambers, and Paris Hilton. Also thanks to Attack Mode Fight gear for believing in me from the start. Jeff is the man! Last but not least I want to thank Carlos Mencia for giving me a reason to want to fight people.
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