Jon Nutt is a familiar name in the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) scene in Thailand. The American is the country’s biggest promoter of the sport, both figuratively and literally (he’s 193cm). After becoming fed up with run-of-the-mill martial arts competitions, he set up Full Metal Dojo (fb.com/fullmetaldojo) – a series of events across Thailand that aims to give local and international talents a chance to compete and be recognised. Here, Jon gives us a few insights into the world of MMA and tells us why there’s more to the sport than just people beating each other senseless in a cage.
What's the difference between full metal dojo and other MMA events like the UFC?
Everything! In fact the only thing that is similar is that we both promote combat sports. Full Metal Dojo (FMD) shows are much more fun to go to. We don't claim to be the biggest or the best, but we are the most fun. Bigger organisations such as the UFC don't really care about the crowd at the event, as they care more about the TV programming. If you are a VIP at a UFC show, your seat would be 20 metres from the cage. If you're a VIP at my show, you could literally touch the cage while watching the competitors go to work. That's the FMD event – up close and personal. Some prefer the Rolling Stones in a stadium; I prefer Jay-Z at a private party. Neither one is better, but I think FMD is more fun and certainly more memorable.
IS THERE ANYTHING YOU'D LIKE TO SAY TO THOSE WHO THINK MMA IS JUST PEOPLE BEATING EACH OTHER UP IN A CAGE?
Actually, I don't care to say anything to them. If they watch MMA, or any other combat sport for that matter, and all they see is people "beating each other up in a cage", then it is quite clear to me that they most likely have the IQ of my shoe size, and thus, I don't want to say anything to them at all. The dedication that it takes to be any sort of athlete is huge especially in a sport where your health is on the line. Besides, judging someone else's passions and hobbies is pretty morally obtuse. So if you don't like the sport, don't watch it.
WHICH MARTIAL ART HAS THE MOST ADVANTAGE IN MMA?
Well this is the beauty of MMA, and it's why so many fight fans have come to love the sport. It has taught us that there is no one martial art that is the best and that you need to be versed in a few to be a well-rounded competitor. History was made when one little guy named Royce Gracie came along and beat up everyone. He showed the world that learning how to fight on the ground is just as important as fighting standing up. In order to compete at the highest level of the sport, you cannot rely on one martial art.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THAI MMA FIGHTERS AND LOCAL TALENTS?
In the future, Thai fighters could dominate all of the lower weight classes in the sport of MMA. If Thai fighters get into this sport now, soon they will be major players on international stages. Thai fighters are some of the best in the world. I came to this country 10 years ago this month because of my passion for Muay Thai. I have seen how Thai fighters train, how dedicated they can be and I know they can be champions.
WE HEARD YOU'RE A BIG FAN OF THAI MUSIC. WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE SONG?
You have heard correctly. I like to sing "Ska Variety" [by OK Mocca] the most. It makes people dance and I can rock that one. Da Endorphine is probably my favourite female singer, and Thaitanium take the prize for hip hop in Thailand. The best Thai workout song is "Bua Loy" [by Carabao], and the best fighter walkout song, I would have to say is "Kit Hod" or "Yah Pit" by Bodyslam.
WHEN'S THE NEXT EVENT?
The next Full Metal Dojo event will be next year on February 21, right here in the City of Angels. G
