Andy Main says he's “the champion the fans want to see!”

2017-02-04 23:00

Andy Main says he's “the champion the fans want to see!”

 

 


 


Andy Main (11-2-1, Pure MMA, USA) will face “Armbar” Kim Chang-Hyun in the International Trials for the ROAD FC $1 Million Lightweight Tournament on February 11, 2017. Ahead of the match, he shared his thoughts and predictions in this interview.


Main was only two years into his professional MMA career when he got the opportunity to be on UFC TUF 12. Although he didn't pass through to the UFC, Main followed it up by garnering more experience in splitting his fights between continents: CFFC in the US, and Pancrase in Japan.


After his sole submission loss on TUF, Main went an admirable 7-1-1, which concluded with him winning the Featherweight King of Pancrase title by dominating and then choking out reigning King and TUF 12 colleague Nam Phan with a triangle.


Main started off in MMA like many, by transitioning from Brazilian jiu jitsu. And there was no turning back.


“After a couple years of competing successfully in Jiu Jitsu I decided to give fighting a try. I loved it from the first time I fought. It’s the ultimate test of hand to hand combat. I love being in the ring or cage in that moment.”


When Main was just 24 years of age, he had the good fortune to be one of only a handful of foreigners invited to participate in Pancrase. Fighting in Japan is the ultimate dream for many fighters, and Main did not take it for granted.


“I treasure all of the experiences I’ve been able to have through fighting: traveling the world, competing on The Ultimate Fighter, and living and training in different gyms. The best moment of my career so far was becoming the King of Pancrase. I’ve been a fan of Pancrase MMA for a very long time and was excited for the opportunity to fight for them. When I won the title, it was definitely the happiest moment of my life as a fighter.”


Main doesn't rest on his laurels, however. He is secure with his strong points, yet he knows the key is dedication and evolution.


“I think my biggest advantage is my ability to string fighting styles together seamlessly, and the high level at which all aspect of my game are at. I train with a beginner mindset, to constantly improve. I always look up to my training partners: my brother Mikey, Jim Miller (UFC), Charlie Brenneman (Former UFC), Sean Santella (CFFC Champion), my primary sparring partner Melvis Figeuroa, and my coach Brian McLaughlin (Former TUF).”


Being humble in the gym doesn't detract from Main's confidence one bit. If anything, his mindset is already focused on being number one.


“I’ve taken down good wrestlers, I’ve thrown judo black belts, I’ve submitted Jiu Jitsu black belts, and I’ve knocked out striking specialists. My goal now is to win the Road FC tournament in front of me, and then continue to fight the best fighters from around the world. It would certainly mean that I am one of the best fighters on the planet, which I already know to be true. A million dollars would be nice as well.”


Main's confidence comes full circle with a caveat.


“I think I’m the best in the world, but I also never underestimate anybody. In a sport where everybody is improving, if you aren’t getting better you are getting worse. I’ll never be that person.”


Main is thrilled to be competing in the Trials for the ROAD FC Tournament, and already has plans for the massive winner's prize.


“I’m pumped to compete for the million dollars. Opportunities like this don’t come around often. I’d invest in my gym, pay off my car and mortgage, and have a party for my friends and family.”


Andy Main's final words to his fans show a great deal of respect and convey his enthusiasm.


“Thank you to all the Road FC fans and fans from all around the world. It is because of the fans that organizations like Road FC can exist and offer opportunities like this tournament to fighters. I believe I will bring an exciting fighting style to the tournament. I promise to be exciting be the champion the fans want to see!”


For his updates, follow @andy_main on Instagram.

BACK

INSIDER MORE

ROAD FC announces global expansion into CHINA with 360GAME ROAD FC 027 on 26December
  ROAD FC global expansion into China with 360GAME ROAD FC 027 in Shanghai on 26 December, 2015  9 October, 2015 - ROAD FC announces global expansion into China with 360GAME presents ROAD FC 027 in Shanghai on 26 December, 2015.   During the official weigh in event on 8 October for 360GAME ROAD FC 026, ROAD FC CEO Jung Moon-Hong made the announcement that ROAD FC will be expanding operations into China.  ROAD Fighting Championship is South Korea's premier MMA organization which has held twenty-eight events since it was founded in 2011. After setting a bench mark of one event almost every month in 2014, ROAD FC embarked on a global expansion plan and held its first ever international event in Tokyo, Japan in 2015. This year will also witness more dramatic growth as ROAD FC will host its first show in China, in the metropolis of Shanghai, on 26 December. ROAD FC is currently negotiating a venue with a capacity of 18,000. 360GAME ROAD FC 027 will be broadcast live in China and internationally across multiple platforms, which ROAD FC CEO Jung revealed included: “China's State-owned broadcaster CCTV, local terrestrial broadcasters, and the internet portal of Tencent, we are scheduled to broadcast.”  Tencent is Asia's largest internet company and competes with the largest internet companies in the world.  Tencent's internet portal QQ.com is one of the largest in China. ROAD FC's live broadcast in China on QQ will begin immediately with 360GAME ROAD FC 026 on 9 October. Event: "360GAME" presents ROAD Fighting Championship 026 Date: Friday, 9 October, 2015Place: Jangchung Gymnasium, Seoul, South KoreaMain event live at 20:00KSTLive PPV stream on Epicentre.tv at http://www.epicentre.tv/events/road-fc-026/Live stream on Tencent QQ.com at http://sports.qq.com/zt2015/ROADFC/  Global expansion next event: Event: "360GAME" presents ROAD Fighting Championship 027 Date: Saturday, 26 December, 2015Place: Shanghai, China   
MORE