On July 21 at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Canada, Aussie MMA veteran Anthony “The Hippo” Perosh will enter the octagon for the seventh time when he takes on highly touted Canadian Ryan “Big Deal” Jimmo at UFC 149.
Perosh (13-6) is coming off a first round TKO win over Nick Penner at UFC on FX: Alves vs. Kampmann, in his home town of Sydney back in March. That fight marked the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt’s third victory in a row in the UFC, after stopping Tom Blackledge before that at UFC 127.
His opponent will make his UFC debut riding a 16 fight winning streak after losing his first professional MMA bout in 2007. In 2011 he became the MFC light heavyweight champion and in his second and most recent title defence, the 30 year old out pointed UFC veteran Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou.
Fight News Australia: What have you been up to since defeating Nick Penner at UFC on FX 2 back in March?
Anthony Perosh: I had a week off to rest and relax and then it was back to business for me running my two full time martial arts schools. I started training soon after my last fight too focussing on technique and drilling rather than sparring.
Fight News Australia: What are your thoughts on Ryan Jimmo?
Anthony Perosh: He has a great record and will be making his UFC debut. I will be bringing my best to the Octagon when I face him.
Fight News Australia: Who will be helping you get ready for this one?
Anthony Perosh: I have Steve Rudic who is my boxing coach (2006 Commonwealth Games heavyweight bronze medallist), Denis Roberts (2010 Commonwealth Games heavyweight 4th place) and my BJJ and MMA competitors to help me with BJJ and MMA. I also added Zack Mikulic (Fitness Clinic) to my team as my strength and conditioning coach.
Fight News Australia: You’ve had the hometown advantage in three of your six UFC fights, how much different is the mental preparation going into a big fight in enemy territory?
Anthony Perosh: It hasn’t been that much different. A fight is a fight no matter where it is. Fighting in front of your home crowd is great but you have added pressure of doing well in front of them.
Fight News Australia: Lastly mate, how closely do you follow the local MMA scene and who are some local fighters to keep an eye on in the future?
Anthony Perosh: The local MMA scene is growing fast in Australia. Australia is having tryouts for The Ultimate Fighter Australia Versus England next week. I have several of my fighters trying out such as Brett Gainsford and Luke Standing.
Fight News Australia: Thanks again Anthony and all the best for UFC 149. Is there anyone you would like to thank?
Anthony Perosh: Thanks very much. I would like to thank my God, my family and friends for their support. My coaches Steve Rudic, Denis Roberts and Zack Mikulic and my sponsors Venum, Shoyoroll and Balance Sports Nutrition.
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