TotalSportsTalk.com got the pleasure to speak to Jake O’Brien, the undefeated Heavyweight UFC fighter. During the conversation, Mr. O’Brien was open and candid about how he is physically - now after chronic spinal injury, when he plans on stepping back into the octagon and what is in store for a long career in the toughest sport.
Since both of us are south side guys, speaking to Jake O’Brien was very easy. Mutual friends had told me that Jake was a very nice guy, not rough – unless you want to get rough. Everyone said the same thing - this guy is going to be the ‘champ’. Jake has always been the ‘champ’ since wrestling at a young age in Indianapolis, IN., on the side of town where the true rough ones come from, the south side.
TotalSportsTalk.com wanted to know first thing – is Jake O’Brien feeling better after having surgery for chronic spinal injury? Jake O’Brien gave a firm “Yes, I am fine, and ready to go”. The sound of his voice was that of wanting to walk into the octagon in ten minutes. This young fighter has recovered from an injury that gave him ‘stingers’ since high school days, where he was both an all-state wrestler and football player. The ‘stingers’ happened more often through his days at Purdue University where he was on the wrestling team. In July of 2007, surgery for a pinched nerve and a herniated disc, after months of rehab before and after the surgery – he is back.
When is Jake O’Brien stepping back in the octagon, this is what we wanted to know – anyone that has seen this guy go at it. The answer he gave was, “hopefully on Feb 2nd at MGM in Vegas, that is the best for the UFC - if not then, then wait for March 1st”. It was very apparent that he is willing to fight anyone, because he is not afraid of anyone. His answer was direct when I asked him who he would like to fight – “Congo, Frank Mir, the Champ, when we get one and anyone higher in ranking.” This fighter knows what other fighters are out there in his heavyweight division; he was able to say who those fighters are. He was able to map his plan out.
During the conversation, Mr. O’Brien would say things that were very strong because of how he said them. This is coming from a man that is in fighting shape, knowing that he will be a force in this industry for fifteen more years. You heard it, Jake O’Brien wants to fight until late 30’s into 40’s. He is a young 23 year old, and wants to be the ‘champ’ for a long time. The warrior is not planning on fighting a few and going home, he plans on being an UFC legend. Where is the closest octagon, I want front row – this is the guy that will be a legend.
TotalSportsTalk.com staff had heard that UFC fighter Kimbo Slice was something to be talked about, so I mentioned this to Jake O’Brien. This was quick and easy – to the point.
What do you think about Kimbo Slice? Jake’s answer “Kimbo is tough and strong, but he has not been tested.” - Do you think you will be back physically someday to be able to fight Kimbo? I think that question amused him because he made it very nice and clear. “I can beat Kimbo Slice up right now, or I can beat him up after he gets better. After he fights someone.” At this point right here, is when I knew I was going to follow this fighter’s career – when I knew that this guy would be the ‘champ’ because he has what it takes to become ‘champ’.
Jake O’Brien is in a sport that only the smartest tough guy wins. He is not only the smartest tough guy but he is the toughest guy. He is always working on getting better during training that sometimes pits him up against his twin brother, Josh. When Jake works on his boxing skills, Josh gets in the ring with him. Since Josh is a two time state Golden Glove boxer, Jake is able to get someone to help him that has the same goal. Jake said it is also nice since they have a good relationship, another pair of brothers that only wants the other to succeed.
Jake was talking about his training – about how he loses some weight over a period of time to get to his 230 lbs fighting weight. About why his favorite technique is the double leg takedown, since it was his best move since he was seven. With this technique, he is able to come up throwing punches and elbows, he is a ground and pound guy. His diet is not all that important until about six to seven weeks before the fight, then straight healthy. He is always walking through the octagon door with one goal, to win.
This is a prediction from one south side guy about another south side guy.
Jake O’Brien will be a UFC legend. Jake O’Brien will be a force for fifteen years in the UFC. Jake O’Brien will be ‘champ’. Jake O’Brien will have FAN NATION watching him all along the way.
Leave a Reply
Welcome to Fightstalker, a mixed martial arts headline news site. Read all of the latest headlines the fans are talking about.
Check out the new merchandise at the Fightstalker.com online store:
December 29, 2007 at 7:56 am
Zig@TotalSportsTalk.com interview with Jake O’Brien UFC Undefeated HeavyWeight
TotalSportsTalk.com got the pleasure to speak to Jake O’Brien, the undefeated Heavyweight UFC fighter. During the conversation, Mr. O’Brien was open and candid about how he is physically - now after chronic spinal injury, when he plans on stepping back into the octagon and what is in store for a long career in the toughest sport.
Since both of us are south side guys, speaking to Jake O’Brien was very easy. Mutual friends had told me that Jake was a very nice guy, not rough – unless you want to get rough. Everyone said the same thing - this guy is going to be the ‘champ’. Jake has always been the ‘champ’ since wrestling at a young age in Indianapolis, IN., on the side of town where the true rough ones come from, the south side.
TotalSportsTalk.com wanted to know first thing – is Jake O’Brien feeling better after having surgery for chronic spinal injury? Jake O’Brien gave a firm “Yes, I am fine, and ready to go”. The sound of his voice was that of wanting to walk into the octagon in ten minutes. This young fighter has recovered from an injury that gave him ‘stingers’ since high school days, where he was both an all-state wrestler and football player. The ‘stingers’ happened more often through his days at Purdue University where he was on the wrestling team. In July of 2007, surgery for a pinched nerve and a herniated disc, after months of rehab before and after the surgery – he is back.
When is Jake O’Brien stepping back in the octagon, this is what we wanted to know – anyone that has seen this guy go at it. The answer he gave was, “hopefully on Feb 2nd at MGM in Vegas, that is the best for the UFC - if not then, then wait for March 1st”. It was very apparent that he is willing to fight anyone, because he is not afraid of anyone. His answer was direct when I asked him who he would like to fight – “Congo, Frank Mir, the Champ, when we get one and anyone higher in ranking.” This fighter knows what other fighters are out there in his heavyweight division; he was able to say who those fighters are. He was able to map his plan out.
During the conversation, Mr. O’Brien would say things that were very strong because of how he said them. This is coming from a man that is in fighting shape, knowing that he will be a force in this industry for fifteen more years. You heard it, Jake O’Brien wants to fight until late 30’s into 40’s. He is a young 23 year old, and wants to be the ‘champ’ for a long time. The warrior is not planning on fighting a few and going home, he plans on being an UFC legend. Where is the closest octagon, I want front row – this is the guy that will be a legend.
TotalSportsTalk.com staff had heard that UFC fighter Kimbo Slice was something to be talked about, so I mentioned this to Jake O’Brien. This was quick and easy – to the point.
What do you think about Kimbo Slice? Jake’s answer “Kimbo is tough and strong, but he has not been tested.” - Do you think you will be back physically someday to be able to fight Kimbo? I think that question amused him because he made it very nice and clear. “I can beat Kimbo Slice up right now, or I can beat him up after he gets better. After he fights someone.” At this point right here, is when I knew I was going to follow this fighter’s career – when I knew that this guy would be the ‘champ’ because he has what it takes to become ‘champ’.
Jake O’Brien is in a sport that only the smartest tough guy wins. He is not only the smartest tough guy but he is the toughest guy. He is always working on getting better during training that sometimes pits him up against his twin brother, Josh. When Jake works on his boxing skills, Josh gets in the ring with him. Since Josh is a two time state Golden Glove boxer, Jake is able to get someone to help him that has the same goal. Jake said it is also nice since they have a good relationship, another pair of brothers that only wants the other to succeed.
Jake was talking about his training – about how he loses some weight over a period of time to get to his 230 lbs fighting weight. About why his favorite technique is the double leg takedown, since it was his best move since he was seven. With this technique, he is able to come up throwing punches and elbows, he is a ground and pound guy. His diet is not all that important until about six to seven weeks before the fight, then straight healthy. He is always walking through the octagon door with one goal, to win.
This is a prediction from one south side guy about another south side guy.
Jake O’Brien will be a UFC legend. Jake O’Brien will be a force for fifteen years in the UFC. Jake O’Brien will be ‘champ’. Jake O’Brien will have FAN NATION watching him all along the way.