· On The Spot ~ Andy Main

He drove eleven hours to “The Ultimate Fighter” season 12 tryouts. But, it is his drive and determination that makes Andy Main, from New Jersey, a fighter to watch for on this season of TUF. Andy, at the age of 21, is one of the youngest competitors on the show. But do not let his age fool you; Andy is bringing a unique work ethic, that reflects in his performances, into this season.

Check out MMA Spot's exclusive interview with this TUF cast member to watch.

NAME: Andy Main
AGE: 21
RECORD: 4-1
BACKGROUND: BJJ, Wrestling, Boxing
LOCATION: Boonton, N.J.

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Armstrong:  When did you start training and why?
Andy Main:  I started training in June of 2006. I picked up BJJ after a friend of mine showed me a couple of chokes he had learned. I had always had an interest in martial arts and tried a few but I never felt like they were legitimate until I tried Brazilian jiu-jitsu. I fell in love and haven’t looked back.

Armstrong:  Where do you train?
Andy Main:  My “home” gym is AMA Fight Club in Whippany, New Jersey. However, I train a lot of places. I also train at Renzo Gracie’s main academy in New York City with John Danaher. I also visit other gyms whenever I can. I believe there are so many good guys to train with and great instructors to learn from, that fighters limit themselves when they stay in one place.

Armstrong:  What is the MMA scene in New Jersey like?
Andy Main:  The New Jersey MMA scene is getting bigger and better every day. New Jersey has been consistently producing some of the toughest fighters and I think Frankie [Edgar] winning and defending the lightweight title has put a stamp on that. We have a lot of solid talent and some serious athletes climbing the ranks.

Armstrong:  Who is someone who has motivated you the most in this sport?
Andy Main:  My biggest motivator in this sport is my training partner Jim Miller. I try to emulate his work ethic and desire to make himself a better fighter.

Armstrong:  What kind of a guy are you? What do you live by?
Andy Main:  I am a person that takes life step by step. I am big on constantly setting short term and long term goals, and then willing them to happen. I also believe in taking advantage of every opportunity that presents itself. When the tryouts for TUF 12 came around I didn’t really expect to make it on the first try. However, I knew for sure I wouldn’t make it if I didn’t try. So I drove 11 hours to tryouts. Now here I am.

Armstrong:  How would your friends describe you?
Andy Main:  Mellow, but driven. I am always very relaxed, to the point people always think I am tired. My style of jiu-jitsu can attest to that. I have had to really force myself to be more active and aggressive for MMA because it’s not my nature. I am also very driven whenever I set goals. I try to allow nothing to get in my way.

Armstrong:  What do you do for fun?
Andy Main:  When I am not training I like to hang with my American bulldog, Miles. I take him hiking or swimming. If I don’t have a fight coming up I will also occasionally go out with friends to clubs on weekends.

Armstrong:  What is a career highlight of yours so far?
Andy Main:  Making it into "The Ultimate Fighter" house.

Armstrong:  How does it feel to be on "The Ultimate Fighter?"
Andy Main:  It’s a really great feeling. It kind of drives home the fact that this is what I should be doing. I am at a point in my life where I have to decide if I want to go the school or work route, or to try to make it fighting and make a career in the martial arts world. I’ve made my decision.

Armstrong:  How did you react when you found out that you were cast?
Andy Main:  I called my trainer/manager Michael Constantino and said, "Play time's over. Lets get me ready."

Armstrong:  What will you bring to "The Ultimate Fighter" this season?
Andy Main:  Good athleticism, solid technique, and a strong desire to learn and win.

Armstrong:  What have you learned the most through this experience?
Andy Main:  I’ve learned a lot about myself as a fighter. I’ve realized that I want to belong among the best in the world, and that I will do what I have to to get there. I’ve also learned how many different people and styles there are around the country and world, and that I would be crazy not to travel and try to learn from everyone I can.

Armstrong:  What can fans expect to see from you this season?
Andy Main:  Fans can expect a personality that anyone can relate to. They can also expect me to always look to be exciting to watch.

Armstrong:  What are you looking forward to the most?
Andy Main:  I look forward to all the training, relationships, and life changes that will come from being on the show.

Armstrong:  What is your nickname and how did you get it?
Andy Main:  I don’t technically have a nickname. My buddies at home call me “The Main Event” but I will never use that in an event.

Armstrong:  What are your future goals?
Andy Main:  My goals are to continue to train, get better, and continue winning fights. I also plan on opening a school within the next couple years.

Armstrong:  Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Andy Main:  Just big thanks to my team and my trainers at AMA Fight Club and everyone who has helped me along the way.