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Jon Kolosci
What made you start in MMA?
Well, I was really just looking for a way to release my excess energy and focus it in a positive direction (too many street fights, which I'm really not too proud of). I found a local Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gym and it did the trick by keeping me busy, motivated and quite exhausted. Once I started to get to know this group of people, I met numerous people that were fighting MMA. I ended up meeting the Wisniewski brothers (Duneland Vale-Tudo) and started training with them. I never really expected to fight outside of my hometown on smaller shows, but one thing led to another and here I am. I'm VERY competitive, athletic and I love to fight, so I guess it was just a matter of time (along with tons of hard work) before I found myself succeeding at this sport.
What is your most memorable fight and why?
I would have to say my fight against Andre Luis Noveas Pimenta. We literally beat the absolute hell out of each other and we both looked like we had been run over by a truck after the fight. Both of us showed a ton of heart and neither of us gave up, while continuing to pummel one another. I felt that I controlled the pace of the fight and I controlled position and did inflict more damage. Then, the judges called the fight for him! I freaked out and was heading backstage to break something, when they announced that they called the fight incorrectly. I did end up getting the win and deservedly so. It was a very hard fought battle and quite memorable.
Who are your favourite fighters to watch?
There are just too many to name, but I really like guys that just bring it like Clay Guida and Tyson Griffin. The lightweight division is really exciting, but I tend to admire all fighters, as I know what it takes to be in there competing.
After which fight do you think you learned the most about yourself, and why?
My first fight against Mac Danzig. That's where I truly learned the value of experience and the level difference of fighters. It opened my eyes to the fact that I need to train harder and that I need to work on the mental part of this game a bit more, to learn to be more calm in the ring. Since then, I have been training much harder in all areas of the sport. The harder/smarter I train and the better prepared I become, the easier it will be.
If you could have the opportunity to fight one person who would you fight?
Anyone in the UFC. The goal that I aim for is to compete in the best MMA promotion in the world (UFC) and succeed. Everyone is a threat at this level and I feel privileged just to compete at this level.
How have things changed for you as a result of being on TUF?
It's opened a whole lot of doors for me with training partners and coaches. It's opened my eyes to the level of training needed to compete in the UFC. It's given me a ton of exposure that I wouldn't have otherwise been open to. Overall, it was a great experience and has done a lot for me and I truly appreciate it.
Did you become good friends with any of the guys on TUF, and do you plan to train with any of them?
Yes, being stuck in a house for 6 weeks with nothing to do but talk, I became close with many of the guys. I still keep in touch with several of them, but I do not live close enough to anyone to train with them.
What do you do to relax and take your mind away from fighting?
Well, I currently have a full time job as well. I'm a supervisor in Enterprise Computing Services for a large health care company. I was a lead technical engineer for many years before that. So, I have the job to keep my mind busy, although sometimes too busy. I also have a lovely daughter and the most wonderful fiancé in the world that I spend all my free time with. We love outdoor activities, including camping, as well as travelling. I also love to read....
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
I hope to be a staple in the UFC and competing with guys in the upper echelon of the sport.
Do you think we will get a chance to see you fight in the UK?
I sure as hell hope so!!! That would be fantastic!
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