The Triangle Choke: Jim Davis Interview

Undefeated as an amateur at 6-0, Jim Davis will make is pro MMA debut on October 31st

Jim Davis, who stands 6’4” and weighs in over 300 lbs, hasn’t been tested as an amateur at the superheavyweight division; no opponent has made it out of the 1st round as Davis went 6-0 as an amateur. As result, Davis is cutting weight and making his pro debut on October 31st. It will not be an easy task for the Cincinnati based striker as he will face UFC veteran Dan “The Sandman” Christison. The 16-7 Sandman, who is 6’8” and weighs 270lbs, has faced elite competition including Dan Severn, Ben Rothwell, Brad Imes and Frank Mir. But Davis wouldn’t have it any other way and is excited about the challenge and talks to ProFighting-fans.com Editor-in-Chief Scott Dryden.

SD- Jim, talk about your background as a fighter prior to MMA.

JD- Before MMA I fought in a lot of tough man contests and boxing. Not to mention, I was a bouncer at a lot of local bars which gave me some experience. I’ve been in there with some big boys. Hopefully that will prepare me for the next level.

ICF Heavyweight Jim Davis

SD- Speak about your conditioning right now as you prepare for your pro debut.

JD- It's tough man, going 5 minute rounds you have to step it up a little bit.

SD- Talk about the adjustment not only in the length of the round but the rule changes at the pro level versus the amateur level.

JD- As you know, might fights don’t last very long. So just making sure I’m prepared to go 5-5 rounds is the hardest thing. The jiu-jitsu drills, taking the extra time to make sure it equates to 5 minute rounds is tough plus getting ready for elbows and knees.

SD- What was your career record as an amateur?

JD- 6-0.

SD- Have any of your opponents ever made it to the 2nd round?

JD- No, 38 seconds is the longest fight I’ve had.

SD- You are making your pro debut on October 31 st at Turfway Park in Florence, KY against Dan “The Sandman” Christison. Not only are you making your pro debut but you are facing a cagey-experienced veteran. Talk about the challenges he presents for you.

JD- What doesn’t he bring. He has been in there with everybody. He is skilled in almost everything in the fight game. It’s going to be a tough task for me.

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SD- As you progress, what are some areas that you think still need some improvement such as ground work, etc. My guess would be that is where Dan will try to take the fight.

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JD- If I had to pick a weak point, because none of my fights have went to the ground; it would be my ground game. I would say I need to be well-versed on the ground. That is going to be my focal point for this fight. If I do get taken to the ground, I want to make sure I have an understanding of what is going on and how to get back up to where I want to be.

SD- How long have you been training with Team Vision and how have they helped your game?

JD- What can you say about those guys? Rod Housley is amazing. I think training and sparring with him will get me ready for almost any heavyweight. There isn’t going to be a whole lot of people tougher than him. Then you throw in Roger Bowling, Victor O’Donnell, our jiu-jitsu coach Aaron Thomas; those guys will kill you.

SD- You are dropping from superheavyweight to heavyweight and turning pro. Win or lose, what is your ultimate goal?

JD- To be on top. As long as I fight I just want to be on top. I want to fight anybody and everybody, put on a good show for the fans and get my name out there.

SD- Best of luck Jim.

For more information on the fight, visit www.icfmma.com. Complete results and coverage of the October 31 ICF event and all Intimidation Cage Fighting events can be found here at ProFighting-fans.com.

By Scott Dryden
ProFighting-fans.com Staff Writer & Editor-in-Chief

Photo courtesy of Jim Davis