VFC Fighter Interview: Joe Wilk
VictoryFighter.com: Let us start by asking you what your thoughts are on Victory being featured at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas?
Joe Wilk: “I’m super excited for Victory to hit Wichita. I was born and raised in Kansas and used to live in Wichita, so it’s cool to see the sport growing in the territory.”
VictoryFighter.com: Big things are on the forefront for Joe Wilk. Prior to your last fight against Joe Ellenberger (in which you moved up weight classes), you were on the fast track to the UFC. Where do you currently see your career?
Joe Wilk: “I don’t feel that the Ellenberger loss lowered my stock at all. Not a lot of fighters would have taken that fight in the position that I was in. I’ve only lost once in my career at 145 and I avenged that loss handily. There was an awesome opportunity against a name fighter so I jumped on it without hesitation.”
VictoryFighter.com: One of the things that you are known for is your entrance. Love it or hate it…people remember it. Do you have anything special in store for Wichita on April 27th?
Joe Wilk: “You can count on a crazy entrance every time I fight. The 27th will be no exception. My training partner David ‘Caveman’ Rickels got us on Sports Center with his last entrance on Bellator, so I need to step my game up.”
VictoryFighter.com: You are considered as one of the “Elite Names” of Victory. How does it feel to be able to continue exposing the Kansas fans to Victory’s events?
Joe Wilk: “Bringing big fights to Kansas means a lot to me. It means exposure for up and coming Kansas fighters. It means revenue for Kansas cities and it means growth for the sport I love, in the state I love. When I am at major fight shows in Kansas as an old man, I want to drink my beer and reflect on having a part in making it happen.”
VictoryFighter.com: Your opponent is Doug Jenkins from Brookings, South Dakota. What do you know about him and what are your thoughts on the matchup?
Joe Wilk: “I know of Jenkins, because he fought another VFC favorite, Mirsad Bektic. He also has a win over a UFC vet. At this point in my career I am willing to fight anyone, so I like every match up.”
VictoryFighter.com: Doug Jenkins is considered to be extremely difficult to finish, having only been stopped one time in his career. With a reputation like that, will it be that much more satisfying if you are able to submit him for the victory?
Joe Wilk: “I have built a career on being a finisher. I realize Jenkins is tough, but I will finish him within the scheduled three rounds. Finishing is always satisfying. Decisions suck!”
VictoryFighter.com: We mentioned earlier about big things on the horizon…what do you currently see for the immediate future for Joe Wilk following this fight?
Joe Wilk: “I will worry about the future after this fight. I have a good idea of what is going to happen, but I’m not getting ahead of myself. For now, I am concerned with winning the fight and then throwing a massive party!”
VictoryFighter.com: Are there any fighters that you would like to be matched up with in the near future?
Joe Wilk: “Yes. David Rickels and I are willing to fight any two fighters in the world at a combined weight of 300 pounds. We are currently undefeated in this format and are looking for a good challenge.”
VictoryFighter.com: Is there anyone that you would like to thank for helping you prepare for your fight i.e. sponsors, friends, family, etc.?
Joe Wilk: “I’d like to thank all of my teammates, coaches, friends and family for the continued support. Also my sponsors, Mel Hambleton Ford, Supplement U, Prime Metals & Auto Cores and Animal Instinct. Last, but not least Ryan Stoddard and the VFC for bringing a quality show into Kansas.”
VictoryFighter.com: Joe, thank you for taking time away from training to speak with us. Many Victory fans look forward to your interviews, as do we. There you have it Victory fans, Joe “The Nose” Wilk promises a finish, so make your plans to witness it live on April 27th, 2013 at the INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas. For all the latest news, updates and interviews, follow us on Facebook at @VictoryFighter and Twitter at @VictoryFighting.
VFC Fighter Interview: Greg Scott
VictoryFighter.com: You train out of Laselva MMA with Marcio Navarro, who is also featured on this fight card. How beneficial is it to have a training partner on the same fight card?
Greg Scott: “In a way it is beneficial, but it’s also a downfall. It’s been a great advantage training together and getting each other ready for this fight. Marcio is always there for me and we’re always pushing each other to work harder. However, he has always been in my corner and unfortunately he can’t be this time, but it will NOT affect my performance.”
VictoryFighter.com: I have mentioned to many of the fighters that Victory is generating a lot of talk around the Midwest for hosting this event at the INTRUST Bank Arena. What are your thoughts on the venue and the atmosphere it will create for the fans?
Greg Scott: “This venue will be huge; I believe this is the largest one I have ever seen. MMA is growing and I feel having this at INTRUST Bank Arena will boost the respect for the sport even more.”
VictoryFighter.com: You lost your professional debut after an impressive seven fight undefeated amateur career, but got back on track in your last fight. Do you feel that your 1-1 record is deceiving to those who only know that about you?
Greg Scott: “My professional record doesn’t look too promising to those that aren’t true fans of the ‘Dark Rage’. At this point, I see it as an advantage for me because I don’t have all of the pressure of being seen as one who has never lost. This way I can go out there and just do my thing.”
VictoryFighter.com: The only loss in your career came against E.J Brooks, who sports an impressive 7-1 record, for Bellator Fighting Championships. Some people say that a fighter learns more following losses than he does wins. What did you learn from that fight?
Greg Scott: “EJ Brooks was a great Division 1 wrestler from Mizzou. Not going to lie, I got worked in this fight, but never quit. I learned that I have heart and that I can take anything that a fighter may throw at me. I also learned the value of ‘making weight’. Many things have changed since this fight, including my strength, conditioning and most of all…my relationship and closeness to God.”
VictoryFighter.com: You are fighting an extremely tough Cody Carrillo. What are your thoughts about your opponent?
Greg Scott: “I haven’t heard a lot about Cody, but I know he has experience. He has fought some tough guys and won and lost some. I always give my opponents the respect they deserve for stepping in the cage; anyone can be dangerous.”
VictoryFighter.com: Cody Carrillo said that he knows that you are a good fighter. He also told the Wichita fans to expect the following: “Wichita fans know what I’m bringing to a scrap; athleticism, excitement, energy, and a yearning to stop the fight in every position…” What are your thoughts on what Cody Carrillo had to say about you and to the fans?
Greg Scott: “Cody’s going to bring his game and I’m going to bring mine. It will definitely be exciting.”
VictoryFighter.com: Do you have any final words for the Victory fans that will be in Wichita, Kansas on April 27th, 2013?
Greg Scott: “I’d just like to say thanks to all the fans, because without them I wouldn’t be where I am. Also everyone needs to know to expect a whole new fighter that will step in that cage on April 27th, being trained mentally, physically and now spiritually can help accomplish anything.”
VictoryFighter.com: Do you have anyone that you would like to thank for helping you prepare for this fight i.e. sponsors, friends, family, etc.?
Greg Scott: “First and foremost I need to thank God for blessing me with everything I am. Then I would like to thank my wife for sacrificing time away from me and allowing me to train. I would also like to thank my gym, Laselva MMA and all of my training partners from Laselva, Haskell and KUJJC. I’m also grateful for all the support of my family and friends. Last, but not least my sponsors, Go Hard Training, Lawrence Nutrition, AMP Crossfit, Down 2 Scrap and Midwest Single Source.”
VictoryFighter.com: Greg, it has been a pleasure speaking with you about your upcoming fight on April 27th, 2013 in Wichita, Kansas. It is almost a sure thing that your fight with Cody Carrillo will be a candidate for Fight of the Night. For all the latest news, updates and interviews, follow us on Facebook at @VictoryFighter and Twitter at @VictoryFighting.
Guest Review: Zac Brown Band
Submitted by: Mitzi Menzer Reese
I’m unable to say much about the opening bands, as I was enjoying an array of deliciousness prepared by Zac Brown’s own Chef Rusty and his talented Staff backstage with the Band and other ZBB Fans. If you’ve never attended a ZBB “Eat and Greet” … you’re missing out. (Thanks Keith and Karri Oliver a/k/a “Unleaded Zeppelin” for the hookup!) Just a sampling of what Chef Rusty and Staff bring to the table … roasted sweet potatoes, kale, spring onions, tomatoes, corn, sour apple vinaigrette; crispy egg rolls, mushrooms, bok choy, broccoli, edamame, goji soy sauce; tri-colored cauliflower, chives, black truffle, parm; Thai risotto, lemon grass, chicken stock, kaffir limes, coconut milk. IT.WAS.FANTASTIC. The atmosphere was casual buffet and the ZBB members graciously hosted the event while making sure we enjoyed the occasion. The entire Band even sat down for some easy goin dinner conversation with each and every attendee, time permitting. Needless to say, I’ve attended before and I’ll definitely attend again, if given the opportunity.
UNCAGED. It’s “a little bit of happy, a little bit of inspiration, a little bit of groove ~ you might even wanna make a baby in the middle of the record.” ~ Zac Brown.
I love Intrust Bank Arena and that is saying something if you know me. I’ve been to a concert or two, in a State or two, and I will travel far and wide for the right combination of venue atmosphere and stellar talent. This is one of those times. I walked down to the GA PIT just in time to catch the mood setting intro of songs before the live performance took off. Appropriately so, ZBB started off the show with their Caribbean rhythms of Jump Right In ~ which immediately had the crowd in the palm of their musical genius hands. The energy permeated the crowd and the Band’s talent took over from there. Walking Away and Knee Deep kept the crowd in amazement … until they started Free. If I didn’t know better, it was written about the couple I was standing next to. As the crowd remained mesmerized, Zac brought us right into the country stylings of The Wind and its momentum swept everyone off their feet. And then it happened. Zac wanted to share his Georgia based CampSouthernGround.org purpose and mission. He introduced a young gentleman by the name of Mason Lough and invited him on stage at the piano. Much to everyone’s surprise, Mr. Lough proceeded to play Colder Weather like he’d written it himself. From my view, there was not a dry eye in the house. Mason Lough. 11 years old. Amazing. I had the honor of standing next to his family while he played Clay’s piano as if it were second nature, and it was. The Band joined in with Mason and ended with the most amazing acapella sound that only ZBB can produce. After the Band toyed with the crowd, zinging t-shirts from monster-sized sling-shots to reach the rafters, they moved to the end of the catwalk and invited us all into their “living room” while Hop snuck in Sweet Emotion … Zac and his ensemble joining to the finish. It seems Tom Petty’s You Don’t Know How I Feel made the set list, too ~ most befitting for the date of the concert while they positioned themselves in the living room. With Zac sitting front and center on the bongos, the rest of the gang joined in with the organic sounding percussion of Frozen Man. Without blinking an eye, Zac and his smile started Keep Me in Mind while he relentlessly worked the catwalk and crowd. I love ZBB. Happy Birthday Clay Cook. The Band and crowd sang Happy Birthday to Clay, the lights dimmed to heavy percussion and an instrumental intro, while Hop surprised us with a gift from Metallica ~ Enter Sandman. As if it could get any better than this … it did. Zac stepped center stage for a lively swig of “Whiskey’s gone and I’m not leavin” that took us right onto Highway 20, one of my favorite songs ~ living at the west end of (albeit, OK SH 20) Highway 20 in Osage County as I do. ZBB’s Hwy 20 had every couple embracing and every person swaying in unison. It was a beautiful sight for a diehard like me and Zac held that last “ride” like it was his oldest, dearest friend. The crowd went WILD. And who can resist TOES. Absolutely every person, young and old, on their feet singing “life is good today” is something to see. A rare treat at any concert ~ new material not even part of an album yet. ONE DAY with the easy jive feel and acapella ending was absolutely beautiful. I love the Zac Brown Band, have I mentioned this? No ZBB concert is complete, in my opinion, without CHICKEN FRIED, which had the entire venue on their feet (again) while Jimmy De owned it on the violin. The Band exited, the crowd went wild stomping their feet and chanting “USA,” demanding the Band’s return encore. I even saw a few lighters flicker. Can you imagine in this technological age of phones, I saw lighters … and it warmed my heart. After seeing the stage drape come back down as if to say goodnight, I was still hopeful for their return. And then it 
happened. As if the concert was just beginning, the stage curtain dropped and ZBB appeared all decked out with glow-n-the-dark skeletons for attire while they played UNCAGED with the heavy bass, percussion to die for, and guitar that makes me wanna do bad things.
I can name that tune in TWO notes. Much to my musical liking (love, actually) ZBB segued right into the recognizable riffs of Led Zeppelin’s Kashmir sung by Mr. Clay Cook that even Jimmy Page and Robert Plant would be proud of. Notorious for his show-stopping rendition, Zac ended the night with DEVIL Went Down to Georgia with Jimmy killin it on the violin. With the fantastic light show in progress, the entire Band moved front stage and played with every ounce of energy they had left while Chris drove his drums like he was in it to win it. I cannot say enough about the Zac Brown Band, but I’m afraid that I already have. They played 2+ hours and 23+ songs by my count. It was an energy out of nowhere that made the crowd want to be on the stage with them. It made them want to BE them. Zac Brown Band is like no other you will ever see or hear. This band plays like they’re family. And I wanna be invited to the next family reunion. Did I mention I love Zac Brown Band? I do. ~ mitzi
VFC Fighter Interview: Marcio Navarro
VictoryFighter.com: Please start by telling the Victory fans a little bit about yourself.
Marcio Navarro: “I am originally from São Paulo Brazil. I started martial arts at 14 years old. I am now 34 years old and I have been living in the US for 4 years. My fighting style is striking and I look for KO every fight.”
VictoryFighter.com: There has been a definite buzz about Victory being held at INTRUST Bank Arena, what does it mean to you to fight in such a large venue in your hometown?
Marcio Navarro: “Fighting in my hometown is great, because it allows me to be close to my family and friends. Fighting in a big venue is good for me, because I have a lot of fans and when I fight, I motivate my fans to ‘fight’ with me.”
VictoryFighter.com: You are listed as training out of Laselva MMA in Wichita, Kansas. Since some of the Victory fans may be unfamiliar with the gym, could you tell them about your experience at Laselva?
Marcio Navarro: “My experience at Laselva MMA has been very positive. The gym is my home, and the members, employees and owners are my family. When I came over here four years ago, I didn’t know anyone or have anything and everyone there helped me to become who I have become.”
VictoryFighter.com: You are fighting Jake “The Librarian” Lindsey, an undefeated, rising superstar in the Midwest. What would it mean to be the fighter that derails that proverbial train?
Marcio Navarro: “This is my favorite kind of fight. Jake is the champion and ‘superstar’, so I have no impression of this fight. If he is the champion, then he will need to prove it.”
VictoryFighter.com: You are a well-rounded fighter, having your Brown belt in BJJ, Yellow belt in Taekwondo, Yellow/Blue rope in Capoeira and currently holding the ISKA Light Middleweight World Championship. Do you feel that your variety of skills will make the difference in this fight?
Marcio Navarro: “Yes. Because of the skills I have, I have the ability to change my strategy/style during the fight.”
VictoryFighter.com: You are no stranger to championships, as we mentioned earlier. What would it mean to you to add the Victory Fighting Championship’s Lightweight title to your resume?
Marcio Navarro: “All of my titles are from kickboxing, so I’m looking to add an MMA title and now is my opportunity. It would be great to be a champion of Victory.”
VictoryFighter.com: Jake Lindsey had this to say about you in his interview, when asked about your skillset: “He’s a good kick boxer with decent wrestling and I have zero clue how is ground is, from what I have seen it’s not good. He may be like 500 times better since I have only seen one or two of his fights.” What are your thoughts on your opponent’s perception of your skill?
Marcio Navarro: “Jake Lindsey has no clue who he is about to fight.”
VictoryFighter.com: Do you have any last words for your opponent or the Victory fans?
Marcio Navarro: “The fans will see a different Marcio Navarro and Victory Fighting Championship will have a new 155 pound Champion.”
VictoryFighter.com: Do you have anyone you would like to thank for helping you prepare for this fight i.e. sponsors, training partners, friends, family?
Marcio Navarro: “I would like to thank VFC for the opportunity, thank you to my family, my coaches and training partners; fans and sponsors…Rue Construction, Force Wellhead, Bad Boy Bailbonds, City Blue Print, 1 Block Apparel, JP Cruse Tattoo and Laselva MMA.”
VictoryFighter.com: We would like to thank you for your time. There is a lot of hype surrounding this fight and with good reason. Make sure that you find your way to the INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas for this event on Saturday April 27th, 2013. For all the latest news, updates and interviews, follow us on Facebook at @VictoryFighter and Twitter at @VictoryFighting.
VFC Fighter Interview: Jake Lindsey
Victory Fighting Championships hits INTRUST Bank Arena Saturday, April 27. Join us for a night of hard-hitting fights. Tickets are on sale now at http://www.selectaseat.com, by phone at 855-755-SEAT, in person at the INTRUST Bank Arena Box Office, or at all Select-A-Seat outlets.
Victory Fighting sat down for an interview with VFC Fighter Jake Lindsey to bring you an exclusive look into his training, expectations for his fight in Wichita, and more.
VictoryFighter.com: Let me begin by asking how life as a Victory Champion has treated you?
Jake Lindsey: “It has been GRAAAAAND! I ride an elephant to work and people bring me gifts of tribute all the time. Haha nah man other than people calling me champ life hasn’t changed at all. Getting that belt was a personal goal but as far as day to day life, everything is the same, video games, training, work, video games, training…..maybe more video games.”
VictoryFighter.com: Your teammates and other opponents speak very highly of your future in the sport and you are already becoming one of Victory’s biggest stars. Is this where you imagined your career may be at this point when you made your Victory debut as an amateur in 2009?
Jake Lindsey: “Honestly it’s hard to say. I am happy where I am right now, but I would like to be a bit farther along the road. I honestly have a few other things I am really interesting in career wise and I have been dabbling in those this entire time. I get bored really easy as well so now that I am getting bigger and bigger fights it has refocused me a bit. If I have another year layoff or something like that, I would probably do something else for a while.”
VictoryFighter.com: You have fought some very tough local standouts in your career and now you are taking on a fighter (Marcio Navarro) who is on a three fight winning streak, including a defeat of Rudy Bears in Bellator. Is this just another step towards make Jake Lindsey a household name in the Midwest?
Jake Lindsey: “Well hopefully…hopefully it’s not like ‘hey you see that guy Jake get his ass kicked last vfc’ haha. Navarro is just another fighter, just like I am just another fighter to him. After this fight people will know who I am in Wichita..that’s for sure.”
VictoryFighter.com: There has been a lot of talk about fighting at the INTRUST Bank Arena and the Wichita fans’ tremendous support of the event. What are your thoughts on the arena, the fans and the event?
Jake Lindsey: “I have never personally seen the INTRUST Bank Arena. The rumor is there is a lot of buzz around this show and it’s getting tons of local support, which I think is awesome. Manhattans my home but I am excited to put on a good show and let everyone know the hype around VFC is real.”
VictoryFighter.com: What do you know about your opponent, Marcio Navarro and what area of the game have you been working the most on for this fight?
Jake Lindsey: “He’s a good kick boxer with decent wrestling and I have zero clue how is ground is, from what I have seen it’s not good. He may be like 500 times better since I have only seen one or two of his fights…you never know, so I am just training like I am fighting a SASSY ass sasquatch. I have been working a lot of take downs off of kicks, and a heavy top game..and those sweet, sweet elbows.”
VictoryFighter.com: With your record now sitting at a perfect 6-0 and the Victory Championship wrapped around your waist, what does the immediate future hold for Jake Lindsey? How do you see the next year playing out for your career?
Jake Lindsey: “Well I am really not looking too far into the future right now, just looking forward to getting in the cage. Afterwards I do have a couple of bags of mini Cadbury eggs I am going to destroy. I hopefully have a big fight lined up as well. I hope within the next year I am signed with the UFC, I know getting in right now is going to be easy. I am hoping to fight some big names and get some big victories so I can get a shot. If things get to slow I am not sure what I am going to do.”
VictoryFighter.com: Victory fans always show up prepared for an exciting night of fights and you have been one to produce that time and time again. What should the fans expect from your fight on April 27th?
Jake Lindsey: “We are going to bang, no take downs just SLINGING LEATHER like MADMEN!!!!…..unless I get hit good, then I am taking him down smile Fans should expect a little bit of everything in this fight. Some stand up, some ground and pound, and some blood.”
VictoryFighter.com: Victory has been building momentum with their Nebraska event as well. Are there any plans for the Nebraska Victory fans to see Jake Lindsey grace to steel inside the Ralston Arena?
Jake Lindsey: “Not that I know of. I have always wanted to fight Joe Ellenberger for a couple reasons. First, he beat my teammate Joe Wilk, second I think I could beat him, third he’s the guy to fight to get in the UFC, fourth every time I am cutting weight and I hear his name I think of burgers…which sucks. So maybe if we can make that fight happen I’ll come to the Ralston arena.”
VictoryFighter.com: Do you have anyone that you would like to thank for helping you prepare for this fight?
Jake Lindsey: “For sure. I want to thank my trainer Joe Wilk for helping me out the whole time I have been fighting. I also want to think Ryan Stoddard for brining Victory to Kansas. I want to thank all my teammates for helping me get better. I also want to thank Sarah Fuastberg for all the rides to the gym and doing so much work on injuries. Last but not least I want to thank everyone who would rather come watch me fight then do something else on the weekends probably more entertaining, it means a lot.”
VictoryFighter.com: Thank you Jake. You are always one of the more interesting and entertaining people we get to interview. For all the latest news, updates and interviews, follow us on Facebook at @VictoryFighter and Twitter at @VictoryFighting.
Kevin Young’s Wichita Thunder Playoff Diary – April 12
Sorry for the scare there but we had it under control the whole time. I know we would like to make it a lot less interesting as well. After a great first where Flather took the game into his own hands, we really took our foot off the gas for period two and let them right back into the game. A huge goal was what we needed to right the ship and as per usual this playoffs, Hanson was there to get it for us. He was trying to tell me the correct pronunciation of his name last night but I think it is easier if we all just stick to Greger Hanson.
We earned a day off today so the guys will do their own thing. Some will head to the gym and some will just take it completely off to rest up and heal any bumps or bruises. I don’t want to shock any of the guys reading this but I might be in the gym group today. After today, we are back on the ice Saturday morning.
With this schedule, it will be tough for both teams. It is a downer for us because we have all the momentum in the series and would love to be playing again as soon as possible. If we are to find a positive out of it all, we know they would have a huge jump in their step looking for a little revenge and this extended break will take that out of them a little. When we head down there, it will be like a whole new series is starting and that is perfect for us. We need to go down there with the mentality of being in a 0-0 series and that first win there will be huge. It’s a tough rink to play in and they make it even harder with the style they play, but we have the right game plan in tact to squeeze out some wins down there. Discipline will be huge again as both teams sort of got running around last night and they made us pay on their power play.
Hopefully, we can get some of you guys on the fan bus so we can have a bit of crowd support down there. Even the slightest of noises helps when in a hostile environment. I will be taking a few days away again, but will be back next week. Thank you all for reading these as I hope you are enjoying it.
Send any questions to questionkaywhy@hotmail.com
Kevin Young’s Wichita Thunder Playoff Diary – April 11
Good afternoon. What a great all-around game by our team. Even though we fell behind, we didn’t panic or stray from our game plan and got the results I feel we deserved. As I said yesterday, it would most likely be specialty teams that wins this series and we did a great job killing penalties and capitalizing on our power plays. We need to stay disciplined the entire series.
I can’t say enough positive things about how Junger played. He made huge saves at big moments in the game that really kept the momentum with us. What a shot by Painchaud. Their goalie gave him a bit of room to the glove side and he jumped all over it. Also, Flather was huge with two goals including the clincher into the empty-net. All around, great game by our team. We did have a few lapses out there that we addressed and will cure moving forward.
Right now it feels pretty good to be up 1-0 but we have to put all that behind us and focus on Game 2. With a quick turn around like we have here, it’s important not to get too high. We need to keep moving forward. Now that we know we will have a week to rest up before Game 3 (which is ridiculous), we can really empty the tanks out there tonight. We had an optional skate this morning with most guys choosing to go out there. It comes down to personal preference for those so it is nice to have the choice once in a while.
A question I received was what inspired me to play hockey? For me, I am the youngest of my siblings. I more or less did whatever my brother did as he was two years older than me and I wanted to do whatever he was doing. Also, my dad and I would sit around every Saturday to watch Hockey Night in Canada, which I am sure was a staple for almost all of the Canadians on our team. He told me stories of how he used to play hockey outdoors when he was growing up in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He said they had races to decide who would have to shovel the snow before they played. He keeps telling me how lucky we have it now a days, haha.
