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Interview with Jason "Dynamite" Dent

UFC veteran Jason Dent discusses his fight with Chris Lozano, his recovery time and his MMA future

 

Pro Fighting Fans Director of Marketing Luke Jernigan sat down with Jason "Dynamite" Dent on Thursday at the GriffonRawl MMA Academy in Mentor, Ohio. Sporting a cast on his left arm and a smile on his face, Dent seemed like a different man from our interview just a few weeks before. This Jason Dent did not seem like the stressed out businessman who had a multiple major deadlines coming up, rather he seemed at ease with his work and ready to embrace the future. The 4-fight UFC veteran and reigning NAAFS Lightweight Champion faced an undefeated Chris "The Assassin" Lozano at the NAAFS Fight Nite in the Flats event on Saturday, June 5, 2010 in Cleveland, Ohio, where he lost via TKO due to cuts that resulted in a Doctor's Stoppage at the conclusion of the 4th round. Our interview with Jason Dent after his fight with Lozano is below.



Luke - We spoke about the importance of the NAAFS Fight Nite in the Flats event locally here in Cleveland, Ohio region. What are your overall thoughts on the June 5 event as a whole and it's importance to the local MMA scene?

Jason - Fight Nite in the Flats is always a big deal here locally to both the fighters and the fans. The NAAFS does an awesome job of pitting the biggest and toughest match-ups for the amateurs and pros here.

 

Jason Dent @ GriffonRawl MMA Academy

Chris Lozano (left) versus Jason Dent (right) at Fight Nite in the Flats VI.

Photo by Chad Paul.

Luke - Talk about the fight with Lozano.

Jason - It was a good fight, it was fun. I was really impressed with his elbows more than anything, I felt like that was his most effective striking technique. I am very happy that it ended up being a good fight for the fans.

 

Luke - In our pre-fight interview you said you expected you would win the fight 'if Lozano doesn't break my arm blocking one of those wicked head kicks' - at what point did the arm break?

Jason - Round One.

 

Luke - Did you know right away that it was broken?

Jason - Really is was just a sharp sting. I told Donny (Walker) between rounds that my fingers were numb, I think I broke my arm.

 

Luke - How did the arm change your game plan against Lozano?

Jason - On my feet it didn't change too much except when I would throw a jab or left hook I could feel the ulna bone moving around. Anytime we would lock up I was unable to get any grip strength in my hand. A lot of his right, over-the-top elbows landed because I was unable to elbow block with my left arm. Instead of taking them in the face I would duck my head and take them on the top of my head. None of these are excuses for losing the fight; props to Chris Lozano for breaking my arm, capitalizing on the situation and winning a good fight.

 

Luke - Before the fight you stated that "the biggest challenge is his size, athleticism and explosiveness." Now that you have seen him in the cage, do you agree with this quote?

Jason - Yeah I agree with that, totally. I still know that I am the more experienced fighter both on the feet and on the ground, but Chris had a perfect blend of size, strength, athleticism and technique.

 

Luke - There was some definite bad blood between Lozano and yourself in the pre-fight buildup, interviews and hype. Looking back would you have said or done anything differently?

Jason - There's no point in dwelling on the past. Whatever happened resulted in an exciting night of fights, so I have no regrets.

 

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Luke - With the fight and war of words behind you, what are your thoughts about the situation moving forward?

Jason - I respect Chris Lozano and Strong Style. I would like to think they respect me too after my performance.

 

Luke - Before the fight I asked "Who is the toughest fighter you have faced in your career and who hits the hardest?" You mentioned Gleison Tibau as the strongest guy you ever fought and Ross Pearson as the toughest. Having faced Chris Lozano on Saturday night, do you have any changes to your answers?

Jason - He definitely was one of the hardest-hitting guys I have ever faced and obviously had KO power. Yeah, he is definitely in the Top 3 in terms of heavy-hitting guys I have fought.

 

Jason Dent @ GriffonRawl MMA Academy
Jason Dent wearing his Fight Night in the Flats VI walkout shirt, the Jason Dent Signature t-shirt from Intimidation Clothing.

Luke - Overall, GriffonRawl has a rough night going 0-3 at Fight Nite in the Flats VI. We all have our bad days/nights, but what will you take away from the night as the man in charge at GriffonRawl?

Jason - What doesn't kill us makes us stronger. Now that my fight is over I will be totally focusing on GriffonRawl and all of its fighters. We have already begun training smarter and harder.

 

Luke - What did the doctors say about your arm in terms of recovery time to start training again?

Jason - It's possible I could be in this cast anywhere from 3-5 weeks. Then I am probably looking at a little rehab and recovery; I will probably take it easy for a month or so.

 

Luke - During our last interview I got the impression that you are looking more toward the future than in our January 2010 interview. What is next for Jason Dent? Do you have intentions to fight again in 2010?

Jason - Yes I definitely intend to compete again some more. I thought about retiring at one point but I still love the sport too much and feel I have a lot left. I plan to take some time off to refocus and heal up but when I return it will be in my weight class at 155 and I am strongly considering finally making the cut to 145. Besides, Intimidation has got me a sweet t-shirt and I am looking forward to seeing my friends and family wearing it at my fights.

 

Luke - I know you would rather spend time talking about your team members rather than yourself, so let's do just that. Donny Walker picked up an impressive win on June 12 in Erie, Pennsylvania. Talk about Donny's fight.

Jason - Donny's fight was one of the bloodiest fights I have ever cornered. He fought a kid who was 7-1 as a pro and it was an absolute war. Donny was awarded the victory when the doctor stopped it in round d 3 due to excessive bleeding of the opponent. I am very happy and proud of Donny for his performance. He really went in there and stepped it up. Next up for Donny is the championship fight for the 145 pound division and the featherweight belt in the NAAFS. With a 5-fight winning streak it is possible that he could get a call from the WEC beforehand.

 

Luke - You mention Donny being ready for national promotions like the WEC. I know he has fought notable names like Jeff Curran and Cub Swanson. What do you see that is different about Donny today as opposed to when he fought these two WEC veterans?

Jason - His takedown defense is light years better. His drive and motivation are at an all-time high. I think that Donny is ready for the next step in his career whether locally with the NAAFS or for a national promotion.

 

Luke - I have noticed that you never seem to mention Strikeforce as on the same level as the UFC or WEC. While we both know the UFC has the majority of the best fighters in each weight class, I personally feel that Strikeforce is the most legitimate threat to the UFC's Mixed Martial Arts dominance. Your thoughts?

Jason - I really don't think anyone is a threat to the UFC right now. I think the UFC is far too advanced. However I do enjoy watching Strikeforce and they need to focus on slowly building themselves. I do not think it is a good idea to be competing with the UFC right now. I don't think anyone wants to be public enemy #1 in the eyes of Dana White.

 

Luke - Thanks for your time Jason. Any parting thoughts or comments for the fans?

Jason - I want to thank some of my sponsors. Tom Yerace from Ganley Ford, The Rock House Fitness Center, Mentor Family Chiropractic & Rehabilitation, Randy Lindsey of 2XL Sports and Intimidation Clothing. Also thanks to my family, friends, students and fans for their support.

 

 

By Luke Jernigan
ProFighting-fans.com Director of Marketing

 

Previous Interviews with Jason "Dynamite" Dent:

UFC 68 photo used with permission by the UFC