I’ve been involved in Martial Art since I was young child (started around 9yrs old I believe). I started training in BJJ around the end of ’95. I fought my first pro MMA match in ’97. I began my climb to the elite in 2000 when I faced Frank Shamrock at the K-1 GP. In 2001 I made my debut in the UFC. I opened my full time martial arts school, Sinosic Perosh Martial Arts, in 2002 with my friend and training partner Anthony Perosh. Here I am now, still fighting and also teaching a new generation of students.
You have won numerous BJJ and grappling tournaments in your home land of Australia. How did you get into BJJ?
I discovered BJJ from articles written by John Will (now a Machado BJJ Black Belt) in a martial arts magazine called Blitz. He introduced the BJJ and the Gracies as part of his tour around the world training in, then, unknown martial arts. I found an academy in Sydney that was affiliated with him. Anthony Lange, who is also now a BJJ Black Belt under John Will, ran it.
What was the reason for you to start competing in MMA?
I wanted to test myself. I wanted to see how I would fare in an altercation. Whether I would have the courage, skill and ability to succeed in a fight.
How did you get the nickname “The King of Rock and Rumble?”
That came after my first MMA match (Aussie UFC, now called Caged Combat 1). I can’t remember if the commentators came up with it, or if it was in one of the articles. But it was a play on the King of Rock n Roll and it has stuck ever since.
Give us a brief description of you pre-fight training schedule ?
Cardio: Run three times a week Strength: Weights twice a week Sparring: Once a week Grappling: Six times a week Stand up: Twice a week
What do you like to do besides fighting and training?
I enjoy doing things that revolve around my house and friends. I enjoy gardening. I put in my own front garden at my house. My next step is to work on the backyard. I enjoy spending time with my pets. I also do wildlife rescue. I enjoy going to movies and just hanging out with friends. When I’m not training/fighting/teaching I like to do things that are laid back. In summer, there’s nothing like chillin at the beach.
How did you get involved with the UFC?
I had fought Frank Shamrock in the K-1 GP in 2000. Though I had lost a decision, I put in a good performance. When Jeremy Horn’s opponent pulled out of their match (due to injury) they needed a last minute replacement. I had a link having fought Frank. This match was a stepping stone for Jeremy to face Tito (he was the no.1 contender). Frank had stopped both Tito and Jeremy. Because Frank wasn’t able to “finish me” it created interest. If Jeremy stopped me, it would make Jeremy look better than Frank (who had beaten him earlier) and bolster his shot at the title.
Your first fight in the UFC was against Jeremy Horn who is an experienced grappler and had over 50 fights before fighting against you. Did you expect to submit Horn via the Armbar?
I expected a fight. That’s it. What I did in that match was exactly what I had trained to do. The fact that it also worked was a bonus. Sometimes your training falls into place, sometimes it doesn’t. I’ve been at both ends, this time everything went to plan.
Since starting your pro career in MMA in 1997. How has the sport evolved?
Since I started fighting there has been unprecedented evolution of the sport. I’ve seen gloves become mandatory. Sanctioning by Athletic Commissions. The recent Media explosion. The growth of the sport globally. The evolution of cross training. So much has happened over the years that it’s impossible to put it succinctly in one paragraph. What it has been though, is fantastic.
Was there some thing interfering with your MMA career in the past such as a Job?
When I first started fighting I was working full time. I was an IT tech for a major accounting firm. It didn’t interfere with my MMA career as they were supportive of what I did. What it did was take up lots of time, basically taking away from my training time. All that meant was that I had to find a way to work around it. That’s just life. You have to set priorities and work around them.
Your recent fights in the UFC haven’t gone your way. Have you still got another fight with the promotion or are you now a free agent now?
I’m pretty much a free agent now.
Is there a possibility of you returning to the U.K to fight?
Actually that is something I’d like to do. It was something I was thinking about following up before I got another fight offer to fight locally here in Australia again. Maybe later on in the year or early next year. Would be great to go to the UK again. The fans were great there.
You have fought in several country’s and promotions. Which of your fights was the most memorable?
I’ve enjoyed all of my matches around the World. Every organisation that I have fought for has treated me well and made it a memorable experience. But the most memorable would probably have to be between fighting Frank Shamrock at the K-1 GP in the Tokyo Dome or my debut in the UFC in NJ and beating Jeremy Horn. Two great highlights in my MMA career.
Which fighters today do you enjoy watching?
I enjoy watching all MMA fights. Though some of my favourites are Arlovski, Cro Cop, Minotauro, Franklin, and Kid Yamamotto to name just a few. Actually, the more I think about it the more names I can come up with, but I’ll leave it at that.
Which of the fighters in you’re weight group would you like to fight?
Honestly any of the top guys, Silva & Chuck cause they’re the champs, but any of the top guys would rock. I love the challenge of facing the best guys. I’ve even been thinking about moving up to HW for a serious “balls to the wall” challenge.
Is there anything you would like to add for the MMA Universe readers?
Naturally I’d like to thank my sponsors, Musashi, Fairtex, Atama, Interact Health & Fitness. I’d like to thank my business and training partner Anthony Perosh for his support. I’d like to thank my students for the loyalty and support. I’d like to thank all the MMA fans out there, without them, none of this would be possible. I would also like to say keep an eye out for Anthony Perosh.
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MMA Universe
