On The Spot ~ James Brasco

posted by J. Andrew Yount

James Brasco is a mixed martial artist fighting out of Team Popovitch in Fort Lauderdale, Florida where he is also the wrestling instructor. He is a Pennsylvania native where he was a PIAA state runner up with a high school record of 127-10. His wrestling achievements not ending there, he is also a Pennsylvania State Freestyle Champion, 3-times NCCA Eastern Regional Champion and ranked #6 by Amateur Wrestling News. Taking up Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu just to see what it was about, he quickly excelled and is a six-time N.A.G.A Champion, 2007 World Brown Belt Jiu Jitsu Champion. He also recently received an invitation to participate in this year's ADCC. Coming up on September 4 he will be fighting Herbert Goodman at Shine 2: ATT vs The World from the James L. Knight Center in Miami, Fla. He is currently 5-1 in MMA, but his accolades and skill level supersede his record. He took the time to answer a few questions and gave his thoughts on issues such as why he has a hard time getting fights, The Ultimate Fighter tryouts, and Brock Lesnar.

-------------------------

MMA Spot:  How much do you know about your opponent Herbert Goodman and how do you see the fight going?
Brasco:  I know he was an NFL player and obviously is a great athlete. I know he doesn’t have a wrestling background or much grappling experience outside MMA and throws hard. But when you're an athlete like him, you can compensate pretty well for any weaknesses. I am definitely not taking him lightly - I expect a war!

MMA Spot:  From my understanding, you've had a hard time getting fights and generally take fights on short notice; do you think it is because of your credentials and accomplishments in grappling circles?
Brasco:  My credentials definitely are intimidating. I am sure, to a fighter who is trying to build a record and gain experience in MMA, so fighting against me is sometimes not in their best interest as even if they are a favorite to win, it isn’t a sure thing. I have taken fights on short notice...most notably the one I lost, that was also held in a boxing ring, which I haven’t ever even trained in. I also took the Bellator fight on six days notice and I won that one. So I am even so to say.

MMA Spot:  You had a tough fight with Yosmany Cabezas last year. It appeared you were poked in the eye while going for a takedown, did that effect the fight and how you approached it from then on? Is that a rematch you're looking for sometime in the future?
Brasco:  I was poked in the eye on a takedown attempt, but that is MMA, and was ruled unintentional. It did throw me off balance for sure and affect my attack. But to say I am looking for a rematch is a bit of a strong comment; because as a mixed martial arts fighter, you gain from every win and loss and cannot dwell on any of them. It is definitely a fight I would take but he and I are a lot further ahead in our careers now and it would have to make sense for both of us, or at least be a stepping stone. So I am not really looking to fight anyone, I am just going to take what comes my way.

MMA Spot:  Having won titles such as the World Brown Belt Jiu Jitsu Championship and a six-time NAGA champion, what accomplishment stands out the most?
Brasco:  I have had a few experiences that stick out that I think defined me such as winning the Worlds. That was such a great moment and a fulfilling one. Also, competing against Jeff Monson and losing by referee decision after overtime...that showed that I am at a world class level. It put me on the map for sure.

MMA Spot:  You have a really good background in wrestling, What motivated you to get into BJJ and ultimately MMA?
Brasco:  I have always had an interest in styles versus styles type fights. I always felt the wrestler had the advantage due to our toughness and strength. I started doing BJJ to see what it was about, and to become a better street fighter if I ran into that situation. It was interesting to learn grappling from a different perspective. So I would enter tournaments when I lived In Pennsylvania and would do really well. Actually, my first grappling tournament was the Arnold Worlds in 2001. I entered the pro division and didn’t even know what a triangle was. I won my first match against some tough judo guy from Orlando, then I was winning against this brown belt and with a minute left he put me in a triangle. I went to pick him up to slam him and the referee told me not to slam him and I had to tap. I was sooo mad [laughs].

MMA Spot:  What was the experience like at The Ultimate Fighter Season 7 tryouts and did they give any reason as to why you were passed up?
Brasco:  That tryout was kind of ridiculous, as Dana White knew who he wanted already, and I feel it was more for publicity than anything. If you notice, the guys who mostly make it are Randy Couture or Matt Serra guys for example. Former UFC guys that recommend their guys usually get the shot. I also was only 1-0 at that point and that didn’t help either. I only had 45 seconds to show my grappling skills as did everyone else and he called names from there. I don’t know how that is any indication of who should be picked - its political like anything else. I am sure if I lived in Vegas and trained under a former or current UFC fighter I would have snuck in by now, but it doesn’t bother me, as I wouldn’t want to be in that crazy house anyway.

MMA Spot:  What are some of your short and long term goals?
Brasco:  My short tern goals are to finish this fight Friday with a win, then compete in the ADCC World tournament, which I got invited to last week. I am looking to place in the top three there for sure. As far as long-term goals, I am looking to get my shot in the UFC. I know I am good enough now, and have the record to show for it. After that I would like to open a school of my own, and teach while living an active lifestyle molding people to become better in every way.

MMA Spot:  Being the wrestling coach at Pablo Popovitch CJJ center, are there any young guys we should keep our eyes on?
Brasco:  Yes for sure. I have some guys in mind that are getting better every week. I love that part of it because some of them never wrestled and are really becoming good wrestlers now. I won't mention any names as I don’t want to put the pressure on any of them. But I assure you that you will start to see a long line of top guys.

MMA Spot:  Who are some of the guys you train with on a day-to-day basis?
Brasco:  I train with Pablo, Vagner Roche (PanAm champ), Cyborg, our other instructor and black belt Jay, as well as a whole list of tough purple and brown belts. The training here is second to none, and we train very hard. There are no easy goes, they are all wars! As far as stand up, I train with Larry Boden( kick box coach) and various up and coming amateur kick boxers weekly.

MMA Spot:  What is it like training with someone like Pablo Popovitch?
Brasco:  It truly is amazing. He is so driven and focused. Also, sparring with him is interesting because just when you think you have a handle on him, he pulls a new technique out or finish. I always said he can beat you a hundred out of a hundred times and win a different way each time. He is a perfectionist and being around him can only make you better. Not just as a fighter, but as a person. He wants what is best for us, and lives his life very clean and structured. It has really straightened me out.

MMA Spot:  What are the positives and negatives about being a mixed martial artist?
Brasco:  The positives are the great people you are around, and the physical fitness you receive from it. Also testing yourself, and finding out who you are inside; such as if you can take a punch or not. The negatives are the time spent training. To be at a high level, you have to train hard and develop all your skills. I also would say the time it takes to get where you are relevant also is tough, as well as the injuries that come with training.

MMA Spot:  How do you feel when fighters act such as Brock Lesnar did recently at UFC 100? Is it bad for the sport, or are people simply overreacting?
Brasco:  That is a mixed bag, because it definitely brings entertainment to the sport. That was a guy acting out the way he truly felt after a huge win where everyone doubted him and gave him no respect. The guy trains his ass off and truly wants to be the best. He even stands in there and throws punches. It also was very funny the way he acted if you ask me. Some of those lines he said were really hilarious especially about the "horse shoe". If you didn’t see, Frank Mir approached him after the fight and started jawing . On the other hand, you have to remember kids are watching this and some sense of responsibility has to have a presence.

MMA Spot:  What do you like to do in your spare time when you're not training?
Brasco:  I am resting and relaxing. I like to go to the movies and read. I also love to spend time with my family.

A few quick questions:

MMA Spot:  Best guy you have sparred with?
Brasco:  Guys at the Armory (all of them).

MMA Spot:  Best guy you have rolled with?
Brasco:  Pablo and Robert Drysdale.

MMA Spot:  Who do you feel is the most dangerous grappler in MMA today?
Brasco:  Demian Maia, Jake Shields, and Jacare.

MMA Spot:  What about best grappler overall?
Brasco:  Overall, Pablo, because of his great wrestling along with great BJJ.

MMA Spot:  If you could pick one guy from the UFC to fight, who would it be and why?
Brasco:  Maia, because my wrestling is better than his as well as my stand up. It would be a great challenge, and I know if I lost it would just be a sub and not a KO [laughs], so kind of painless [laughs].

MMA Spot:  Anything you would like to say or people to thank?
Brasco:  I respect all styles and everybody deserves respect in this sport. Even the guys with losing records.

Posted at 09-04-2009