2004 Olympian Rick Hawn is set to square off with 2009 ADCC champ Braulio Estima at Shine III: Worlds Collide in Fayetteville , NC on May 15, 2010. MACTS had a chance to discuss Hawn’s upcoming clash.
Hawn was more than gracious in his conversation with MATCS. Hawn made the leap to MMA over a year and half ago. He says he is picking up the grappling part quickly, but like every great fighter he is continuing his quest to learn it all.
Although a year and a half is not a long time, Hawn has mustered up six wins in that short time. What is interesting is that four of those wins have come from TKO/KO. Very interesting coming from a world class judo player such as Hawn.
This fight to Hawn is a step up in competition for him. “So far, it’s hard to compare [to his judo days], but they [MMA opponents] have been like national level [judo] players. His fight against Estima will definitely be, as Hawn calls it, “a step up”.
Hawn has recently decided to quit his job to devote all of his time and effort to train for this fight. ‘It’s the first time that I get to train full time.” He wants to be in the best shape of his life for this fight. He wants to train life a professional to be a professional.
When asked if this fight will come down to styles (judo versus jujitsu), Hawn answered, “It will definitely come down to styles. I know Braulio wants to take the match to ground.” With that quote Hawn also added that he is training in all aspects of the game but is working his ground skills, takedowns, and takedown defense a bit more.
Hawn hopes to give the fans what they want. “Of course I want to win, but I want to give the crowd something to enjoy.” He is prepping hard to achieve this goal. Hawn said he has been traveling and training in order to accomplish this.
This clash for Hawn does not have him scared. Knowing who he is facing and knowing Estima’s background just makes him “…train harder. In all aspects of his training”.
Is Hawn ready to clash with Estima? “More than ready. I will be in the best shape of my life,” Hawn answered.
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I like this match up.
CJJScout - I like this match up.
BJJ vs. Judo, at the highest level. Except the X factor is Hawn's 6-0 record in MMA, with 4 (T)KOs. Of all of the fights on the card, this may be the most intriguing.
Check out Shine 3 on PPV on May 15 live from Crown Coliseum in Fayetteville, NC!
Rick Hawn gave a seminar at one of the places I train at. That guy is a freaking beast.