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FLD Exclusive with Ronnie Mann: "I had myself to blame for losing [the Hioki fight]."
Written by Jamie Hughes   
Sunday, 06 December 2009 19:57
FLD's Jamie Hughes managed to score some time with the ever-exciting World Victory Road featherweight, Ronnie Mann. Read on to find out what inspired Ronnie's fighting career, his goal as a mixed martial artist, and the valuable lesson he learned from his defeat to Hatsu Hioki at Sengoku's 8th Battle.


Jamie Hughes (JH): First of all Ronnie, everyone at FightLockdown extends their deepest thanks to you for taking the time to do this interview with us. To introduce you to fans that may not be acquainted with you or international MMA, how did you find yourself on the path to becoming a professional mixed martial artist? What inspired you to pursue this sport as a career?

Ronnie Mann (RM): “I had been training martial arts since I was 11 and had always known I would be a fighter. I was fortunate enough to have family members who have fought in martial arts at a good standard and to have been exposed to high level fighters at a young age. It was these influence that made me the success I am today.”


(JH): If you weren't fighting, what do you think you'd be doing with your life?

(RM): “It’s hard to think what I would be doing today as I’ve always wanted to be a pro fighter. Probably further education or join the army.”


(JH): You are in a pretty rare position in MMA, where you have a combination of youth and experience. Do you feel that gives you an edge heading into your fights?

(RM): “In some cases, yes, as it gives me the confidence I need to fight at a high level. But nowadays, more and more young, experienced fighters like myself are coming onto the scene."


(JH): You've faced one of the elite 145ers in the world in Hatsu Hioki, and unfortunately came up a bit short, how did that experience help you grow and what do you think you need to change in order to get to that next level?

(RM): “Hioki beat me because I made a mistake and he capitalized on it straight away as any fighter would at the level I’m fighting at, therefore, I had myself to blame for losing that fight. It taught me that you have to be on top of your game plan all the time.”


(JH): What would you consider to be your favourite and least favourite parts of training?

(RM): “I love to learn new techniques, as I believe in evolving myself as a fighter. I would say my least favourite part would be dieting.”


(JH): There’s a perpetuating stereotype that British fighters are unable to evolve as quickly as American fighters due to a lack of quality camps and because the sport is still developing in the UK. Would you say that there’s some truth to that, or has British MMA started to match its American counterpart in talent development?

(RM): “A couple of years ago this statement would probably be true, but as of today I think the UK is doing very well. We've constantly got more and more fighters going international and getting on big shows, so I think we are starting to match the US.”


(JH): You've spent most of your career fighting in Europe, specifically in the U.K. What was it like for you, fighting in Japan for the first time? Did you experience an overwhelming culture shock, or was it as you had expected?

(RM): “The first time I had fought in Japan I was overwhelmed, but at the same time, I had expected it, having team mates who had already fought there before me.”


(JH): The WEC is quickly becoming home to some of the top talent in the lighter weight categories. Do you eventually see yourself fighting under that promotion's banner, or are you content fighting in Japan for as long as you can?

(RM): “I still have some fights left on my contract for Sengoku, so it’s just a matter of what offers I can get after.”


(JH): What would you consider to be a couple of your favourite fights of 2009?

(RM): “Sanchez vs. Guida, Brown vs. Aldo, and Jones vs. Bonnar.”


(JH): Have you got a new fight on the horizon with WVR, or are you still waiting for news on that promotion’s future?

(RM): “I still have fights left on my contract, so it’s just a matter of waiting to see what they come up with.”


(JH): Lastly, what would you like to accomplish in your career before it's over? Is there an accolade or a certain way you'd like to be remembered by fans?

(RM): “My goal is to get as far as I can in the fight game and be remembered for my skills. I’m still young so have a few years to come in my career.”


(JH): Again Ronnie, we would like to extend our deepest thanks for your time. We wish you the best of luck in your training and in your career. Do you have a message for your fans, or any sponsors you would like to thank?

(RM): “I would like to thank the fans for supporting me, the guys at Trojan Free Fighters and Mike’s gym for helping me to prepare. My sponsors: Sci-MX, Full-Tilt Poker, JKR Promotions and Evolution Fightwear! And of course my beautiful girlfriend.”