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Chris 'The Samurai' Bennett: Boiling Hot Prospect With Burning Ambition
14 Feb 2010
By Dean Parr
Hailed by MMA Big Show promoter Jason Appleton as "Hands down one of the best pound for pound fighters I've ever seen", Chris Bennett is quickly making a name for himself in amateur MMA. He's earned a record of 16-1, and looks more and more explosive with every fight that passes. MMA Hit Pit were lucky enough to catch up with the rising star.
In his last bout, contested against the now 12-5 Brian Karmolimski on 28th November 2009, Bennett showed quick and powerful standup and ruthless aggression en route to a first round TKO. On the fight, 'The Samurai' said "I was very pleased with my performance - it was my first TKO. I had been working very hard on my standing game for this fight, so being able to finish it on my feet felt great. I told everyone before the fight I was going to finish it standing, and that's what I did, so I was happy overall."
When asked if this impressive stoppage was what he felt was his best performance yet, Bennett stated "All my fights have been very fast, but being my first TKO it made me pretty happy, so I would say yes."
Despite an extremely good showing, Chris still reckons there is a lot of room for improvement in his game. "I am still learning everyday" admitted the MMA Big Show Amateur Lightweight Title holder. He continued "I recently got my blue belt in Jiu-jitsu under black belt Sean Hammonds, and I am working with Nathan Fitch and Ron Gableman on my stand up so I would say I can improve on everything still."
This highlights his impressive work ethic and willingness to learn more, which are important qualities for a fighter that aspires to reach the top level. On what he sees for himself in the future, he said "In five years I hope to be in the UFC or WEC; maybe close to title contention."
By no means is Chris going to rush his way to the top though. On the commentary of MMA Big Show's 'Onslaught', it was said that Bennett wanted 20 amateur fights before going pro. However, on speaking to the fighter, it is evident he's prepared to wait even longer than that before moving into the paid ranks. "20 is still just a number and I am not sure when I will go pro. People think that just because I have a good record I have to go pro. I'm in no rush though, and when I go pro I want to be ready to fight the toughest guys out there; I dont want to have to start all over. So the longer I wait the longer I can train and progress."
To be in Chris' position at just 19 years old is outstanding. Furthermore, as he acknowledges, he had next to no martial arts experience before he started MMA. On the topic, Bennett revealed "Basically I started MMA from scratch! I studied Jiu-jitsu for about one year beforehand, then jumped into MMA." This obviously hasn't served him badly though, and his standing game is extremely strong now as well as his great Jiu-jitsu.
Chris also wanted to say he is grateful for all the support he gets. "I love the fans and I couldn't do this with out them" he disclosed. "This is the greatest sport in the world, and I love doing it, so I love any and all of my supporters."
So what are you waiting for? Check this 'young gun' out as he is seemingly headed for stardom, and could well have an answer to the 'BJ Penn riddle' when he matures and comes to prominence.
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