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 There has been a lot of things going on in the Rising Sun Community as of late, we have had the Invictus merger, we has open the possibility for some very exciting match ups. We had started hosting events in the LA area, and are looking to host 2 to 3 events there a month. Now we are putting on our first PPV and this is very exciting for any org. The Main Event for this PPV is going to be one of the all time greats coming out of retirement to take on everyones favorite underdog and a fighter who is making quiet a name for himself. Yeah that is right guys with have Jeremy Tonal(35-8) ex pound for pound and Light Heavyweight Great, GAMMA Hall of famer, notable Knockouts of Diggs, Kane, Glory, and Rei taking on "The African Assassin"Smokudju Womba(42-7-1) 2013 Fighter of the Year, #5 Pound for Pound Fighter, notable wins over Diggs, Rei, Al Din, Hearts, Murdock, and Narushima. This is going to be a battle of two fighters who many consider two of the greatest Light Heavyweights of all time, as well as two of the greatest fighters in Tycoon history. I recently had the opportunity to sit down with both of this fighters and here is what they had to say.........
The Hits Like a Girl Training facility isn't a long haul for me as it is only a few miles from my house, as I was walking in I ran into Kelly McGrady on my way in and she pointed me in the right direction and told me that Womba was just finishing up with some Submission Sparring. I thanked her and couldn't help but give her a brief glance over my shoulder as she was walking to her car. I walked into a very Modern building which seemed to have the best of everything, but was a little too pink for my liking. I since Womba standing over by the Grappling mats talking with Famed BJJ Instructor Jerrell Bishop, and I made my way over to them. As I approached Jerrell walked off and Womba greeted me with a handshake, and we had a sit on some mats stacked up along one of the walls.
How are you doing today Smokudju?
I've been better. Been slacking a bit in the gym lately but the fights getting close so it's time to get to work!
You are considered one of the greatest Light Heavyweights of all time, and there has been talks that you are considered one of the GOATs of Tycoon, what are you thoughts on that?
It's pretty cool to know that I've made my mark on the world. I came into this a couple years later than most guys, at 20 years old and as the underdog being a BJJ player. Hopefully it shows that BJJ guys can make it to the top and we can start seeing a few more guys climb the ranks
What made you wanna take this fight against Tonal, and how to you feel about his legacy?
I declined this fight when it was first offered to me. Then I started thinking about his legacy and how it'd be great to fight a legend like Tonal. So I changed my mind and signed the contract to fight him.
A lot of people are saying that you have nothing to gain from this fight, and everything to lose, do you think that Tonal will prove to be the same fighter as old or just a mirror image of his former greatness?
I do have nothing to gain and a lot to lose but that doesn't bother me. I'm not here for fame or money anymore, I just want to fight tough guys. I don't think Tonal has slowed down much at all, he's still a very dangerous fighter. The only thing changed is the fighters around him have gotten better.
If you win this fight are you going to seek out a rematch with Bennett or go after Styles?
Either one works for me. Personally I want the Bennett rematch. I know I can beat him. Tonal isn't to be overlooked though, this dude is dangerous.
Anything else you would like to add before you finish?
Someone is getting finished. Win or lose
Thanks for your time man, and I can't wait to see this fight, Good Luck.
We made some more small talk about the weather then I seen myself out. The next day I hopped on my Jet The Fallen Champion and flew out to Finland and I made sure to pack my Milwaukee's Best Nutrition supplements so that way I wouldn't soft while I was away, I was surprised by how nice it was. It was my first visit by I always kinda pictured it looking like Russia, and being cold and snowing all the time. I drove what seemed like for ever up in the mountains, and finally pulled up to what looked like an old abandoned Warehouse. I walked inside and it was pretty nice inside with some newer equipment, and there were quite a few guys in there training I recognized a few of the faces as Top Heavyweight Daniel Silva and Evil Empire Champion Royston De Noteboom, but many of the faces were new to me. I spotted the 37 year old Tonal over giving tips to some of the younger guys who were working in a Boxing Ring, the guy reminds me of Randy Couture in how he has aged very well and you can't ever tell that he is getting up there in years.
How are you doing today Jeremy?
I'm doing great, thanks.
It has been almost a year and a half since you have stepped foot in the Cage, but the word is that you have still be training at a competitive level, what has kept you motivated for so long?
I still enjoy the training and especially the sparring so it's not hard to keep motivated. It's also very rewarding to see guys you help train do well in fights.
Do you think that Ring rust will be a factor?
It's possible, it's been quite a while and the game has changed a lot, but I think I have a solid plan.
The fighters these days seem to be that of a new breed, do you feel like you have the skill set to be able to compete?
I don't really think there's a new breed, most fighters seem to be about as skilled as they were when I was fighting. The big difference is that ground focused fighters seem to have figured out how to land takedowns consistently. Either way I think I still have the skills to compete with anyone.
You are widely considered not only the greatest Light Heavyweight of all time, but the Greatest Fighter of all time are you afraid of tarnishing your legacy with a loss?
Not at all. I've lost before and this time I'm fighting one of the best ever.
Have you been scouting Womba's ground game, and do you think that you'll be able to keep the fight standing were you have a clear advantage?
I have seen some of his fights and based on those I know that staying of the ground completely won't be easy. Luckily he's not the only wrestler in this fight.
Win, lose, or draw what are you plans after this fight. Are you planning on coming back to active competition or is this a once in a lifetime event? Is there any other match ups you would like to take?
It depends on how I perform and what options there are after the fight.
Anything else you would like to add before we go?
I want to thank Womba for taking the fight, I know he had plenty of options. I'm looking forward to it and hope we'll put on a good show.
Thanks Jeremy, I'll let you get back to work! Good Luck next week and I can't wait to see you back in action.
I made my way out, and after about an extra hour as I got lost about 3 times I made it back to airport and got back to Hilo. This is going to be a huge fight in the Tycoon community, and the biggest fight in Rising Sun's history. Make sure to tune in on PPV to see this two legends battle it out, also check in with Medieval Odds to plave your bets on this great card.
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