League of Madness Interview Series: Matija Maestro

Fighter profile of Matija Maestro by Gut Punch

 Hello all you Mad Minches, I’m The Mad Gaffer. With Douche Mcbaggins temporarily sidelined after he received a concussion while fighting a bloke over a pint, i’ve been called in to introduce some of the best prospects that the League of Madness has to offer. I was given the opportunity to sit down with several of the fighters and get their thoughts before the first round of Madness fights. The future is unknown, and some may go on to be top p4p stars, and some may flop, but one thing is certain- the League of Madness will undoubtedly be a tourney for the ages.

My first guest is “The Future” Matija Maestro. Born in Serbia, Maestro was one of 1000 subjects who were sent to a remote island to fight to the death. At just 14, Maestro was able to use his background in BJJ to survive and walk away. Maestro now takes his skills to the League of Madness.

Gaffer: Being thrown on to that island and coming out the victor is quite an accomplishment- where did you learn your BJJ from?

Maestro: My father was the first Serbian to be awarded a Black Belt under the legendary Rickson Gracie. I've trained in BJJ almost every day since I was six years old under his guidance, and won multiple BJJ Championships along the way.

Gaffer: The transition from fighting for your life to fighting in a sanctioned event can’t be an easy one. How do you stay focused whenever your life isn’t on the line?

Maestro: I treat every fight as if my life is on the line, regardless of the circumstance. I'll be bringing the same intensity to LOM.
 

Gaffer: What’s your favorite submission?

Maestro: Rear-naked choke, and that's how I aim to finish my first fight.

Gaffer: How did you get the nickname “The Future?”

Maestro: After Rickson visited us in Belgrade and I rolled with him for the first time, he said i was "The Future" and it's stuck with me ever since.

Gaffer: How has the move from Serbia to Lakeside Jiu Jitsu in Vegas been?

Maestro: Lakeside Jiu-Jitsu has been a fantastic transition for me. There are a number of high level sparring partners that are pushing me every day such as BJJ red belt Takumi Sagaki.

Gaffer: What do you think of the rest of the 155 competition?

Maestro: There are many strong Lightweights that have entered the tournament and i'll need to bring the best version of myself to come out on top. If i can get the fight to where i want it, nobody stands a chance.

Gaffer: You’re representing Team King in this league- who on your team has impressed you the most?

Maestro: Johnny Billabong in particular has been a great laugh. The thought of a Serbian and an Aussie clashing sounds like a recipe for distaster, but I get his dry sense of humour. He's also a very strong Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and i expect him to go far in the competition.

Gaffer: Thoughts on your first opponent, All American?

Maestro: All American clearly has a wrestling background but i'd be surprised if he wanted anything to do with the ground game here. If he wants to entertain it, I'll show him how a real grappler goes about his work.

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