Fighting For Autism, have been so incredibly fortunate to have some amazing ambassadors from around the world take time out of their schedules to take part in interviews with our Junior Ambassadors, whom a large percentage of are on the autistic spectrum themselves and are thriving through an activity, art or something they love taking part in. Having prominent professionals who share a common interest with the person conducting the interview, or them being from a sport, art, activity that the interviewer can relate to, not only helps to build confidence and develop social skills, they are also fantastic to read, if you would like to take part please get in touch via our website www.fightingforautismeurope.org
This blog features an interview With Ultimate Fighting Championship bantamweight division fighter and Fighting for Autism For Autism Fighter Ambassador Nathan "Mayhem" Maness.
Nathan, who trains and fights out of Tag MMA and Nice Guy Submission Fighting, holds a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and and outstanding 13-1-0 record as a professional mixed martial artist, with his impressive last win over the unbeaten Luke Sanders in November of 2020 with the UFC that saw him earn "submission of the night" and is looking to continue on his trail to the very top in 2021.
Some of our Fighting For Autism Junior Ambassadors were asked if they would like to interview Nathan, and we were overwhelmed by their response, here is the interview.
First to ask some questions was Reese "Cottonmouth Bailey from Las Vegas, USA
1)When you are in the middle of a fight, is it a blur or does everything seem to slow down because all the training you've had?
"Earlier in my career it was definitely a blur. Out of a 9min fight I could maybe remember a few minutes. Now I'm alot better at being in the moment".
2) what's tougher, training camp or a weight cut?
"I think they go together. It's hard pushing yourself through camp while being on a calorie restriction diet".
3) what is your training regime like when you are not training for a fight?
"I'm still in the gym 4-8 times a week depending on what I have going on that week".
4) what motivates you to keep fighting after you've gotten hit really hard?
I'd honestly take a beating for the whole fight if I could pull it out in the end. Im just here to win. The shots don't bother me.
5) what's the most motivational quote you've ever been given from a coach?
"I don't think I could narrow it down to a quote. My coach is the ultimate winner and he passes that down to me through his words and actions".
Next to ask some question was Seren Grant from the United Kingdom
1. How did you feel in your first fight in a ring? Did you win?
"I was very nervous but had a great time once it was over. I won a unanimous decision".
2. How did it feel the first time you lost a fight (if you have ever lost one!)?
"I have lost one. It was a learning experience. I had won 20 in a row prior to that, so it was tough for sure".
3. What is it you love about your sport that keeps you involved?
"You can never be the best at every aspect of MMA. So there is always room to grow and that keeps me motivated".
Next to ask some questions was Fighter Ambassador from the Missouri USA
Nick "The Tornado" Turnbo
1- Does wrestling help you in MMA?
"Absolutely. Wrestling helps you decide where the fight takes place. Either on the ground or to stop take-downs and keep It standing".
2- Do you prefer ground or stand up?
"Earlier in my career it was more on the ground and wrestling. Today I'm more of a fan of the stand up. It gets the fans and myself more excited".
3- What weight do you walk at?
"I was anywhere from 155 to 165. I fight at 135".
Andre "The Reaper" O'Leary
1. Who are in your personal top 5 pound for pound list in the UFC?
"GSP. Jon Jones. Anderson Silva. Demetrius Johnson. Khabib".
2. MMA has many disciplines and I really like boxing, wrestling and Muay Thai. What are your 3 favourites as a mixed martial artist and why?
"Wrestling. I love a good double leg take-down and the control. Kickboxing. The mixture of good boxing and some of my favourite kicks like the teep and high kick. BJJ. If you want to take guys down you have to have solid top jiu jitsu to stay out of subs and land good ground n pound".
3.What advice do you have for young fighters looking to have a career in MMA/UFC?
"Show up to the gym, even on days you don't want to. Half the battle is just deciding to go".
From everyone at Fighting For Autism, we wanted to say a huge thank you to Nathan "Mayhem" Maness for taking time out of his schedule to answer some questions, and a massive thank you to Andre,Nick,Seren and Reese for asking awesome questions for the interview.
Nathan can be followed on instagram at www.instagram.com/natemayhem1
Until next time Dare To Be Different, Shine Through The Spectrum, and as always keep
Fighting For Autism 😉
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