Exclusive: John Halverson – Interview
By Dave Carpinello
PunchDrunkGamer had a chance to talk with the “Hurricane” John Halverson about his upcoming return to the UFC, training and the Midwest Cage Championship.
PDG: You have won three fights since your loss to Roger Huerta at UFC 67. What adjustments did you make to your training regiment?
John: I really just went out and tried to broaden my training. The camp that I had trained with for so many years consisted mostly of wrestlers. I wanted to get more well rounded training so now I am working with real good jiu-jitsu and Muay-Thai coaches. I am also using a new strength, nutrition and conditioning coach.
PDG: What is your current training schedule?
John: I am training with my team five times a week and using Saturday to concentrate on my cardio.
PDG: What is the name of the team you are training with?
John: The Des Moines Jiu-Jitsu Academy and my main sparring partner is Jeremy Stevens who has also fought in the UFC.
PDG: Going back to your last opponent; Huerta. How did you see his match-up with Clay Guida?
John: I thought going into the fight that Huerta had a little bit of an advantage but I like to go with the underdog so I was rooting for Clay. I know that Roger is a tough guy but I thought that all of the pressure on him to win that fight would have had a negative impact on his performance. It was a great fight.
PDG: Let’s get to your UFC return in March. What do you know about your opponent?
John: I have known Jorge Gurgel since about 2002 when I was just getting started and had a fight against one of his teammates. We have kept in contact over the years. I know he is great on the ground and is a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu but he also likes to stand and bang. So I am hoping he keeps with what he has done in the past and trades punches with me. It would make for an exciting fight for the fans. If it does go to the ground I am comfortable with that but after my poor performance the last time in the UFC. I want to win this fight and give a real exciting fight to the fans. The best way to do that is to stand up and trade punches.
PDG: Do you see any advantages that you may have going into the fight?
John: My advantage has to be in the stand-up game. I really like to get in there and bang and Jorge probably feels that he has the advantage on the ground.
PDG: When you are not fighting you are running the Midwest Cage Championship. Can you tell fans a little about that?
John: Yes I work that promotion with three other partners which works out great for me. My role in the organization now is just the match maker and my partners take care of the rest so it is an easy job for me. Luckily I have partners that are able to put in the extra work so that I can concentrate more on my training. I actually fought once in Midwest Cage Championship back in November of 2006. It was a first round submission win over Jake Brown.
PDG: What fighters should fans keep an eye on that are coming out of MCC?
John: Our welterweight Champion Volker out of Kansas City is a beast and he will take anything that opponents throw at him. He is someone that fans should look to make a splash soon. Victor Moreno is also someone who is tenacious and could do really well on TUF.
PDG: I want to do some fighter word association:
John: Ok, let’s go!
– Matt Hughes: Most dominate WW champion ever.
– Tito Ortiz: The fighter who introduced me to MMA
– Nick Diaz: Doesn’t need thrills, just wins!!
– Kenny Florian: Potential to be LW Champion.
PDG: Thanks for your time John and good luck against Gurgel!!
John: Thank you and thanks to all of my fans. I will have an exciting fight at UFC 82!!
