Jason Reinhardt Interview

November 03, 2007

Jason Reinhardt shows up at UFC 78, with an undefeated record (18-0,) attempting to steal the spotlight from Joe Lauzon. Reinhardt is looking to make the breakthrough that Doug Evans and Leonard Garcia just missed in their UFC debuts. All three earned their way into the UFC by building impressive careers at the regional level. Reinhardt, a Miletich trained fighter, has been a dominant force in the lighter weight divisions throughout the Midwest, but he will be faced with a big challenge as he takes on a bigger fighter in Lauzon.

DH: It seems like you're natural weight is 135 lb, but you'll be fighting at 155 lb. What's the story?

JR: Your first question regarding my natural weight. The answer is yes, I'm a natural 135 pound fighter who has been fighting the last few years at 145. The story is... the UFC does not have my weight class and it's been my dream, for years, to fight for the BEST and most respectable organization in the World, which is the UFC and for Dana White. (I have a lot of respect for that man, and what he's done for our sport.) I've been around since UFC 1. This is why I have trained so hard for all these years. I never given up on a goal or a dream. What would make me happy, out of all this, is for everyone reading to also never give up on their own dreams and goals in life, whatever they may be. Perseverance is everything. My dream is right around the corner, and it would not be possible without God. I've been the smaller guy my whole life, so this is nothing new to me. My mind is strong.

DH: You were a submission machine early in your career, but recently, you've been mixing in some KO's. What do you consider to be your strengths?

JR: If you call me a submission machine, I will take that Iguess. LOL. However, at this level of competition it becomes very very difficult to pull off a submission, especially when your all slippery, ect.. At this level, everyone is tough and knows a lot about submission defense. I believe Gracie Jiu-Jitsu was developed for self defense in the street. Now, on the street to protect yourself and your family, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu works very nice. Martial Arts is about self defense.
However, we aren't talking about the street. In the UFC, against another top level fighter, it can be a different story regarding submissions. When you match Gracie Jiu-Jitsu against Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, against 2 UFC fighters who know the same, it becomes a chess match. And for me, it's gonna be a hell of a lot more than a chess match, fighting out of my weight class. So, let's throw Gracie Jiu-Jitsu out the window, and stand up and fight. People consider us both submission guys...so, let's change the fan's minds, and show them we are well-rounded, and can also strike. Joe has proven this already.

If Joe Lauzon feels the need to shoot and take me down I'm ready for whatever. I have been training everything, as always. This is MMA, not boxing. I would prefer to have a War though, on our feet. I think Ihave made this very clear. You asked me what my strengths were. To answer this question, my strength is my will and desire to Win, and not Quit.

DH: How did your UFC debut come about?

JR: My UFC debut came about last year when Iwas scheduled to fight Roger Huerta. I sustained an injury during training and the doctors would not let me fight. Today, is a different story, and I'm ready to go. My training camp has been very long. Also, I made it as an "Alternate" on Ultimate Fighter 5 Reality show. They chose 16 fighters, and 2 alternates. Lauzon made the show, and did very good.

DH: What is your assessment of Joe Lauzon? What will it take to beat him?

JR: My assessment of Joe Lauzon is that he's a very good fighter. But, he's my enemy right now, and has been on my mind everyday for a long time. (However, not in my head.) There's a big difference. It's going to take me being on my A game to beat him, which I will. I have trained and sacrificed too damn much to be Lauzon's stepping stone. Being the Underdog, places a fire under my ass, every single morning I wake up. I feel they picked the wrong guy for this one. We are about to find out.

DH: Do you think the UFC will be a big step up from the regional events? Or, are you approaching it as any other fight?

JR: Of course the UFC is a big step up for me, but I have had a lot of pressure on me many times in my career. When I fought in King of the Cage pay-per-view in Canada in front of 6,500 people. When I fought on pay-per-view for King of the Cage 10 min. from Miletich's gym, with all my training partners there. And especially when I fight in front of my hometown in Decatur, Illinois. Now, that's pressure. However, fighting in front of millions of people in the UFC on pay-per-view, and the thousands in attendance, is going to be a whole different experience, I'm sure. (oh, I forgot, I'm also fighting in Lauzon's back yard basically) LOL. Let the boo's begin. LOL

DH: Are you friends with Spencer Fisher? Will it be good to have some familiar faces at the event with you?

JR: Am i friends with Spencer Fisher? What gave you that idea? Hell no, I hate that son of a bitch. LOL. Of course I'm joking. Spencer is like my brother. We are the best of friends, and he's helped me so much. What's scary is, he's a better teacher than fighter. People need to start taking advantage of MMA seminars with him. Spencer is a book of knowledge. Keep in mind, Spencer was one of the first guys to show up and do the Gracie Challenge, back in the day. He's been around, and knows a lot. Not to mention, he's a great person who is one of the top instructors at Miletich Fighting Systems. He loves to teach and help young or old fighters (like me) it doesn't matter. and yes, it's great to have him with me by my side for my UFC debut. We fly out Tuesday together.

DH: Pat Miletich has done a pretty good job with fighters making their UFC debuts, is there a secret formula at MFS?

JR: There no secret formula....just work ethic, man.

DH: Who would you like to fight after Joe?

JR: Whoever my manager and the UFC tells me to fight. One step at a time. There is no way I would look past Joe Lauzon. So, this does not even enter my mind. With my 4 fight UFC contract I'm sure they will come up with someone.

DH: How do you see the Fisher vs Edgar matchup going down?

JR: I see the Fisher-Edgar fight ending and not going the distance. I will just leave it at that.

DH: Are you ready?

JR: Am Iready? Come on bro, I'm about to fight in the largest, most well recognized, event in the World in front of millions of people on pay-per-view against a tough-ass opponent, and your going to ask me if I'm ready? You gotta be shittin' me? LOL