KNOCKOUT NATION’S JOSH HYNES INTERVIEW
Posted on | March 15, 2007 | No Comments
Our Interview With Josh “BTP” Haynes
Josh “Bring The Pain” Haynes
Josh Haynes hails from Medford, Oregon. He’s a member of Team Quest and was on SpikeTV’s TUF3. Josh won his 2 “exhibiton” fights on TUF3 and has recently lost 2 straight with the UFC. In this interview, Josh talks about his upcoming fight & discusses his opponent. He also talks about the new weight class he will be fighting in for his upcoming fight and the reason for doing so. Plus explains on how you could become a sponsor of him.
KN: Knockout Nation
JH: Josh Haynes
KN: First off Josh, thanks again for doing this interview for us, we appreciate it knowing how most fighters are very busy guys.
KN: When you’re not training, kicking someone’s ass, what do you like to do in your spare time?
JH: Relaxing at home and spending time with my wife and kids is my biggest priority. My family means everything to me and I want to spend as much time with them as possible. We like to go camping in the summer. Other than that I read a lot, play Xbox, and try to find time to play my guitar.
KN: When and why did you start fighting?
JH: When I was a little kid my brother, who is 8 years older than me, used to take me to the park and make me beat up other little kids. So I guess that’s when it really started. I took my first amateur fight in May 2002. I had a couple months of training, if you would even call it that. My motivations for taking that fight were that I had been a fan of the UFC and always wanted to do something like that, and I felt that I was as tough as any of the other local competition. After fighting in amateur shows for about 2 years I decided to go pro and see how far I could take my fighting career.
KN: Growing up, who was your favorite fighter? Who did you want to be?
JH: I didn’t have a favorite fighter growing up. I guess I followed Mike Tyson more than anyone. When I was younger I wanted to be The Incredible Hulk or Jim Rockford from the Rockford files.
KN: Through your entire career has any member of your family not supported you with fighting MMA?
JH: I have always had the complete support of my family. My wife in particular encouraged me to pursue my aspirations of fighting for the UFC. Unfortunately, my mom passed away before I started fighting but I know she would have been my biggest fan.
KN: Who has been your biggest influence in life and fighting?
JH: My mom has been my biggest influence in my life. She didn’t have an easy lot in life and even when things were at their worst she found a way to persevere. My 5 year old son, Thor, is my inspiration. His struggle with brain cancer has taught me so much about life, what it means to be a father, a husband, and to never give up even when the odds are stacked against you.
KN: What is your favorite technique?
JH: My favorite technique would be the one where I cause the other guy to lose.
KN: Is there anyone person you have a grudge against?
JH: I don’t hold grudges against people. Life is to short for that.
KN: Explain a daily workout and training session.
JH: My daily workout sessions vary depending on the day. Each day I train about 6 to 8 hours usually in two hour blocks. My weekly training regimen includes team practice and conditioning at Team Quest, focused training in Jiu-Jitsu and Thai boxing, as well as running and gym time.
KN: If you could train with anyone in the world, who would it be and why? And if it’s the team your training with now, tell us why?
JH: There are a lot of amazing trainers out there and I think there is a lot of benefit in learning from different people. I am looking forward to getting more opportunities to travel to train in the next few years. However, I am very content with the training I am getting now. When I moved my family from Southern Oregon to Portland, Oregon it was because I wanted to train with Team Quest. I am happy with that decision and see myself remaining in this area for some time.
KN: What ranks and titles have you held/have?
JH: I have held a few heavyweight titles in the Pacific Northwest as an amateur fighter.
KN: What do you feel is your biggest weapon in a fight?
JH: My mental toughness, my drive and motivation to not give up are some of my greatest strengths when I am fighting. I show up to every fight looking to put on a great show for the fans and to see how much I can push myself to accomplish what I set out to achieve.
KN: What was the toughest part about TUF3?
JH: For me, the most difficult part of TUF 3 was not being able to talk to my wife, children and older brother. My family has always offered me a lot of support and encouragement in everything I set out to achieve.
KN: If you had the chance to do it over, would you do it again?
JH: I would definitely take part in TUF 3 if I had to do it all over again. It was a great opportunity and absolutely worth the sacrifices my family and I made for me to be on the show.
KN: Why did you make the move to Middleweight?
JH: When I first started fighting I weighed 330 lbs. Fighting at middleweight was just part of a natural progression for me. I want to fight in a weight class that is more suitable for my height and reach. Losing the weight and moving down in weight classes is a necessary element to making myself the best fighter I can be. My next fight, against Cummo, is at Welterweight (170 lbs) and that is the weight class I plan on staying in.
KN: Your next fight is against Luke Cummo at UFC 69 in Houston, Texas, what are your thoughts on him?
JH: I respect Cummo and know that he will show up to put on a great fight. I don’t fear anything he is going to bring to the table. I feel I’m going to be the more aggressive and powerful fighter in the octagon that night. Above all else I plan to put on a great show for everyone, and show the fans what it means to Bring The Pain.
KN: What does it mean for you fighting in the UFC?
JH: The UFC represents a huge point in my life. When I first started this I said to my wife that I would make it to the UFC. I did what I had to do to get this far. I have worked hard and made the changes in my life, as well as in my training, to get this opportunity. I could not be happier. I have the utmost respect for the folks at Spike TV and for Dana White and the folks at the UFC for giving me this opportunity. It is my intention to make this the beginning of a very good career with the UFC.
KN: I’ve seen that you could become an official sponsor of Josh Haynes by bidding on eBay, care to explain this?
JH: A good friend of mine, Nate “Rock” Quarry, set up the idea with Pullen Art Studio. Their idea was to create a sponsorship that is driven by the fans. Pullen Art Studio has provided 20 limited edition prints of one of his artworks of Nate and had them autographed. Pullen Art Studio has been putting up each print for auction on Ebay and has set up a direct donation account through PayPal. This sponsorship is a unique idea and it is really exciting for me to be sponsored by fans as opposed to just companies.
KN: Well I don’t want to take up anymore of your time. Are there any closing comments you’d want to make, sponsors, fans?
JH: First and foremost I want to thank the fans. I want to say thanks to Team Latus Harley Davidson/Buell here in Portland for all their support and the awesome 2007 Buell they hooked me up with. Warrior Wear has also been very good to me. Also I want to thank Protech Mouthguards, Bridgetown Chiropractic, www.Valor7.com, Pullen Art Studio, Jason from www.Garage31.com, and Denaro Sports Marketing. I also want to recognize Team Quest, Mike Dolce of www.StrengthCoachOnline.com, New Breed Jui-Jitsu, and Portland Thai Boxing in helping me prepare for my upcoming fight. My new official website should go live very soon and you can check it out at www.btpmma.com.