March 16, 2007" target="_blank">Del.icio.us    Facebook

Interview with
UFC 70-Nations Collide fighter:
Victor "The Matrix" Valimaki
March 16, 2007

This interview was conducted while we: Victor, Mike Newton and I were waiting to watch the movie 300 for the second time each. It is definitely a movie that needs to be seen again!

Alex: Hi, Vic it has been a long time since we have last seen each other and since that time a lot has changed with you including becoming an UFC fighter. Just to start things off where did your nickname "The Matrix" come from?

Victor: It comes from the flashy stuff I pull off while I fight. A lot of guys my size can't actually do what I can in terms of cartwheel guard passes. Some of the younger fighters at the club (Arashido or Panther's gym) said some of my moves look like they come from the Matrix movie.

Alex: Every fighter has a tale of the tape. Quickly start with your stats.

Victor:

• Nickname: The Matrix
• Height: 6'0
• Weight: 205 lbs out of contest: 217 lbs
• Fighting out of: Edmonton, Canada
• Origin: Canada
• Weight Class: LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT (205 lbs)
• Style: Mixed Martial Arts
• MMA Record: 9-3 (Champ)
• Biggest win: Vernon "Tiger" White, Dan "The Beast" Severn

Alex: I know your record speaks for itself with amazing win over in the MFC on Feb 3 that and lost that controversial fight in San Diego military base to marine David Heath who in all intents and purposes won that fight- what did some notable UFC representatives say to you about the outcome of the fight?

Victor: They believe I won the fight but it was close either way. Not making any excuses but I was sort of sick going into the fight. I feel if I could do it over again I would win.

Alex: Are you more relaxed and know what to expect in your second UFC card?

Victor: Yeah, absolutely. I always try to be relaxed going into a fight and try not to over think things. I have heard about other fighters and their first fight pre-jitters and it has not affected me.

Alex: With that being said there are some pretty big names that are featured in UFC 70 Nations Collide the likes of Mirko Cro Cop and Andrei Arlovski is it going to be hard not to be star struck a bit?

Victor: No not at all, you have to believe you belong there and you can't allow yourself to be star struck.

Alex: Moving on, shall we. I know you have a big fight against Alessio "Legionnaire" Sakara (1-2 in UFC) coming up on April 21, 2007 in Merry Ol' England- well actually Manchester, England-better known for their "football" team Manchester United any thoughts on the upcoming fight?

Victor: He is going to be 1-3 pretty soon! He is a good boxer, but he has never showed it in fights. The fight with him and Dean Lister, Dean takes him down like it was free!

Alex: Have you been overseas before? If not are you worried about it?

Victor: Never been. I am not worried about it. One thing I wanted to do when I started fighting was to travel.

Alex: So besides the anticipated excitement of being in a foreign country is there anything you have to think about differently while traveling a long distance to fight?

Victor: Not really, we [Mike Newton (corner man) and Mark Pavelich (trainer/manager)] are flying out early enough. I just need to make sure I bring all my support.

Alex: Sakara has reputedly lightening fast hands and is Italy's heavy weight boxing champ. Have you ever fought against a guy of his caliber before?

Victor: I think Vernon White is a better stand up fighter (Vic defeated White in Vancouver) than Sakara is. Sakara's stand-up never has really is transferred properly in the octagon.

Alex: While on the subject of your opponent are you studying Sakara-trying to gather all the information possible to determine what is the best strategy of attack against this guy?

Victor: Of course, I take a look at my opponent and look at his strengths and play into his weaknesses.

Alex: What do you describe as your strengths in the sport?

Victor: It is my aggressiveness and natural strength. Also, my big takedowns are key. (Let's not forget Valimaki is a great striker as well)

Alex: Does this make you want to shoot more and show off some of your fancy jiu-jitsu moves or are you willing to stand up and slug it out?

Victor: I am going to test the stand up game but I do not want to get carried away. It's like dipping your big toe in the water and see how it goes if I have success standing up I will keep doing it. If I am not I will take him to the ground. I think the UFC thinks it will be a stand up fight. I know I will knock him out either way (on the ground or standing up).

Alex: Sakara allegedly has the coolest tattoos in MMA-according to your fighting partner and ring helper extraordinaire, Mike Newton. Do you want to follow up on that?

Victor: He has pretty cool tattoos. The funny thing is I actually root for him (Sakara) in his fights but obviously not this one. After this fight I will go back and cheer for him afterwards.

Alex: Going back to the ground game for a sec your training partner Jason " The Athlete" MacDonald is very slick on the ground and was even holding off former middle-weight champ Rich "Ace" Franklin at bay with his moves- how much of that ground game has transferred onto you?

Victor: Jay and me are very similar fighters. The only main differences are he is more of a submission fighter and I am more of a beat you up fighter.

Alex: Anything you would like to say about J-Mac and his recent burst onto the UFC scene?

Victor: He has paid his dues and it is nice to see him garner this much success. Stick around for a while and give him a bit of time and he will seriously challenge Rich (Franklin) in the near future.

Alex: Out of the octagon for a bit I know family life is important to you as you have a beautiful wife and now 2 daughters is there anything you want to comment on how life is going for you outside the sport you love?

Victor: It is going great. I have a family that supports me. I am doing something I love even if it might be short lived.

Alex: Is there anything you want to express to your fans before we sign off?

Victor: Keep watching I am going to make a strong impression in this UFC fight!

Alex: Congrats Vic. I am proud to see your dedication earn you this much success. I remember years ago when we were both younger and working in a different line of work you had a tremendous passion for MMA and it seems like it has exploded since then and your right in the thick of things now at its pinnacle. That's awesome Vic. Good Luck in England!

Victor: Thanks.

Alex: We look foreword to you making regular appearances on The Strength Center. We'll be setting you up with your own personal & interactive website free for you to blog and post whatever news and information you are willing to share with your fans.

Victor: That is excellent, it is a great website!

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