Shorty Meets ‘The Colossus'

Win or lose James Thompson is an amazing fighter to watch, and an marvellous advert for MMA in the U.K.

TFS: With both you and Kimbo being excellent strikers is it inevitable that one of you is ending the night looking at stars?
 
JT: I don’t see how it’s inevitable, whenever you have two aggressive guys in there swinging for the fences, there's always a good chance that could happen.
My job is really just to make sure he’s the one seeing the stars.
 
TFS: What is your prediction for the fight?
 
JT: Me having my hands raised with a smile on my face
 
TFS: How is your training going for this fight?
 
JT: My training is going really well, training hard as always. i’m working on filling up the holes in my game.
 
TFS: With a victory against Kimbo, would you be looking for a chance at the title?
 
JT:  I don’t like to look too far ahead, but whatever organisation your in; i always think you should be aiming for the top, otherwise what's the point of being there. It’s one step at a time at the moment but that’s definitely my long term plan.
 
TFS: Some people have said Kimbo’s street edge gives him an advantage in sanctioned bouts, whereas others notably Chuck Liddell have stated anyone can go out and start knocking people out, what’s your view on his background?
 
JT: I respect Kimbo's background as a great marketing tool that has put him where he is. in that sense i think he has done a great job. as for giving him an edge in a pro fight, not at all.

I don’t think it’s too hard to beat a few fat guys up at a barbecue, i only wish i would i would have grown a beard and picked on a few people so i be making the kind of money he’s making today.
 
TFS: Is there anything you would like to say to fans that are thinking of tuning into the fight?
 
JT: It’s another massive step in the evolution of MMA, just imagine if you go out, and miss it, what will you say to your gran kids when they ask you ‘where were you when the colossus conquered Kimbo'?
 
TFS: All MMA fans love your risky ‘Gong and Dash’ technique, will it be used against Kimbo, and do you think it is this technique that makes you so exciting to watch?
 
JT: I never like to say whether i'm going to use it or not, but the gong 'n dash does un-nerve opponents and is very entertaining to watch. i guess you’ll have to tune in and see.
 
TFS: You’re also well known for your stare-downs prior to the fight, do you think you can truly win a fight before it starts?
 
JT: In my experience I can honestly say that i have won some fights in the stare-down, as the competition gets harder, the top level opponents, really won’t be phased but the fans always like a good stare-down and it can sett he tone for the fight.
 
TFS: You haven’t had a fight go out of the first round in almost two years, this has made you fascinating to watch, and although attributing somewhat to many of your losses, it has made you a fan favourite, do you intend to keep it this way?
 
JT: My scale of fighting has always been head on. i do want to keep this style, as it makes me an exciting fighter however if i could temper that with a little reserve now and again, i don’t think that would be a bad thing.
 
TFS: Was fighting in PRIDE the biggest achievement of your career?
 
JT: Yes, fighting in japan was great. the fans have such a respect and knowledge for the sport. it was truly an honour to fight there.
 
TFS: Do you have bad luck in Cage Rage?
 
JT: It defiantly seems that way.
 
TFS: How long have you been training at Extreme Couture? Why the move? Do you still do some training back home?

JT: I'm actually training in the U.K. for this fight, i had a great time and learnt a lot at extreme couture the people were great and the sparring was excellent, however with it being such a big gym with so many fighters, i felt i needed more personal attention to fill the holes in my game. My training here in the U.K. is specifically tailored to following a certain game plan. I'm drilling, sparring and going over techniques constantly.

TFS: I was a huge fan of Ultimate Combat, do you miss those days? Can they be credited somewhat for your fame, as this was where PRIDE noticed your ability?
 
JT: I have fond memories of Ultimate Combat as it was at the beginning of my career. it was there that i created my character and fighting style. the promoters did send off a video of me to PRIDE, and i am greatful for that opportunity.
 
TFS: How difficult was it stepping into bouts with legends like Don Frye and Dan Severn?
 
JT: It wasn’t difficult at all as i had great respect and admiration for them. I thought it was a great chance for me to beat the people i was watching fight not too long before.
 
TFS: Any final words?
 
JT: Parsnip!

Seriously thanks for your time.
 
I’d like to thank all my supporters in the US, U.K., and around the world, and a special thanks to the Warwagon.
 
TFS: Who for you is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world right now?
 
JT: Anderson Silva
 
TFS: Who is the toughest man you have faced & how does Kimbo measure up?
 
JT: Alexander Emilianenko…     not very well
 
 
TFS: If you weren’t a professional athlete, how do you think you’d be earning a living?
 
JT: A comedian - who hurts people if they don’t laugh at my jokes
 
Cheers guys
 
James ‘The Colossus’ Thompson
 
www.thecolossus.co.uk

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