MMANews.com's own Scott recently talked with Ultimate Fighter 5 contestant Joe Lauzon to discuss his time on the show, his win over coach Jens Pulver in the UFC and some non-MMA topics. Below is a complete transcript of the interview.
JOE LAUZON INTERVIEW
Scott of MMANews.com: This is Scott with MMANews.com and I am interviewing Joe Lauzon today. First off let me thank you on behalf of everyone at MMANews.com and myself for taking the time to do this interview. Let's start with some easy questions. What got you into MMA?
Joe Lauzon: I started doing submission grappling in high school. As I trained with some of our other guys getting ready for fights, I knew it was something I wanted to do. I won my first fight and have never looked back.
MMANews.com: How was your experience on the show.
Joe Lauzon: It was a great experience that I would never wish to repeat. That house will drive you insane, and it did. Everyone was clawing at the walls to get out [of] there… but the training experience was the best.
MMANews.com: Is [BJ] Penn a good coach?
Joe Lauzon: BJ is a great coach. He helped my game a ton. I can never thank him enough for all the help he gave me.
MMANews.com: This is a question that we are all wondering about. With a knockout win over Jens Pulver we did not expect to see you on The Ultimate Fighter show, how did you being on the show come about?
Joe Lauzon: After the press conference after my fight, Dana [White] and Joe Silva told me they wanted me on the show. I was trying to talk them into taking my brother, but it never worked out. I eventually decided it was an opportunity that I shouldn't pass up, so off I went.
MMANews.com: Was it weird with Jens as one of coaches?
Joe Lauzon: Jens wasn't my coach… but it would have been a little weird at first. I would have listened to everything he said and done whatever he wanted me to do. But at the same time, of course it would be a little weird.
MMANews.com: Is there any chance of you becoming a full time fighter?
Joe Lauzon: Maybe when I pay off my student loans… but until then, I don't see it happening.
MMANews.com: If UFC were to have a 145 division would you fight there or stay at 155?
Joe Lauzon: I was fighting at 145 before and the cut was just too much. I'm happy at 155, wherever it leads me.
MMANews.com: Is there anyone you are looking to fight, or if you could fight anyone who would it be?
Joe Lauzon: Spencer Fisher. I beat his teammate (Jens), he beat my brother Dan [Lauzon]… it's time we settle things.
Catch Joe Lauzon Thursday nights on TUF 5 on Spike TV …
MMANews.com: How do you feel you match-up with the current Lightweight champion [Sean] Sherk?
Joe Lauzon: Sherk is a beast. Do I want to fight him right now? Not really. Down the line? Absolutely.
MMANews.com: How annoyed were you with people running around, bitching, and making asses of themselves on the show?
Joe Lauzon: It was entertaining because we were so bored… there was nothing else to do in the house, so it gave me something to watch.
MMANews.com: Who is your pick for the Penn vs. Pulver rematch?
Joe Lauzon: Penn. I think he just has too many tools.
MMANews.com: Ok enough with the questions about fighting, let's find out who Joe really is. What did you receive your degree in from college?
Joe Lauzon: Computer Networking.
MMANews.com: What are your favorite movies?
Joe Lauzon: Lots… Fight Club, Gladiator, 300, Batman Begins, Old School, Braveheart, the South Park Movie… I could go on and on.
MMANews.com: Favorite video games?
Joe Lauzon: Starcraft. I wasted years of my life playing that game. Part of the reason I started training was to get out of the house more and do something more active.
MMANews.com: Do you prefer the PS3, XBOX 360, or the Nintendo Wii?
Joe Lauzon: Haven't played the Wii, but I bought a 360 back in December. I'm not as big into video games as I used to be… but I still play it once in a while.
MMANews.com: I prefer the Playstation 3. What are your favorite pizza and burger places?
Joe Lauzon: Cape Cod Cafe in Brockton has the best pizza around – period. Supreme House of Pizza in Brockton has the best Subs. Best Burgers around here are at Match in Boston. They are gourmet burgers… little tiny things… but they are so good.
MMANews.com: Do you work with any charities or hospitals?
Joe Lauzon: Not yet.
MMANews.com: What do you do when you are not training or working?
Joe Lauzon: I work like 40 hours a week, and I train like another 20 or so. When I'm working or training, I am relaxing and watching TV or movies… or sleeping. I love to sleep.
MMANews.com: Again let me thank you for taking the time to do this interview. Also I hope to see you in the finale fighting for the contract because you were my pick to win it all. I hope to catch up with you down the road and see how things are going. Have a good day and again thank you Joe.
Joe Lauzon: Thanks. Sorry it took so long.
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