By Bryan Levick
World Championship Fighting has found itself a nice niche in the New England area. With a loyal fan base and a good group of fighters, they consistently put on quality shows. I was fortunate enough to speak with John Benoit, who will be fighting Noah Weisman this Friday in a 155-pound bout that is sure to excite the masses.
The 26 year-old Benoit seems to embody everything that makes a regional promotion special in that he’s loyal, dedicated and humble. An iron worker by day and mixed martial artist by night, he does all of this so he can pursue his dreams and make a better life for him and his girlfriend Sarah. Spend a few minutes and get to know Benoit and you will truly understand what regional MMA is all about.
MMA Madness: Can you tell me a bit about your background and how you got involved in MMA?
John Benoit: I started wrestling in the sixth grade and I loved it. I wrestled as a freshman but soon turned my focus to hockey. I went back to wrestling and as a senior, I compiled a 44-4 record but blew my back out during the states and had to withdraw. I competed in cross country to stay in shape. After high school, I wrestled in a few men’s leagues and got a job as an iron worker. I was thinking about doing some amateur body building and ran into an old friend who invited me down to watch one of his fights. He beat his opponent pretty badly and I used to beat him during my wrestling days so I started training with him.
A month after I started training I moved on over to Renzo Gracie’s school and trained with some studs. There were some great jiu-jitsu guys who were pounding on me day and night. It was really humbling and I knew that it would only make me better. Now I am one of the guys that the new guys watch and look up to. I roll with guys who outweigh me by 50 pounds and handle myself pretty well. We get a lot of Renzo’s guys from New York to come down and we also get to train there whenever we want.
Madness: Is there any one fighter who you try to emulate?
Benoit: I’m really kind of my own fighter. I have unorthodox stand-up, maybe like a Forrest Griffin. When I’m not moving, I’m kind of awkward. When I’m moving around, I move pretty good. I like Josh Thompson. I’d love to say I look like that, but I don’t. I mean Thompson is a stud and I’d love to look like that, but I don’t see that happening anytime soon.
Madness: What is your favorite way to finish a fight?
Benoit: I’ve never knocked anyone out in a fight and I would love to do it. I would love to land a head kick and knock my opponent out cold, stiff like a board, Michael Bisping style. I like submissions, but only if it’s a good one like a Peruvian necktie. I don’t mean the bulls**t submissions where you make a mistake and you get caught in a guillotine. I mean a submission that you really had to work for: subs like the ones Dustin Hazelett pulls off. His skills are nasty.
Madness: Where do you see yourself in two years?
Benoit: I’d love to be on one of the big shows. I was offered an opportunity to fight in the WEC twice as a fill-in fight, but it wasn’t the right time for me. I’d love to hold a belt on one of the smaller shows. I see myself working and still going to Renzo’s. I like the smaller shows. Maybe I could get a spot in a main event on HDNET for MFC. I want people to know who I am wherever I go. I want people to know that I come to fight. I love fighting for the WCF as they’re an awesome promotion and they take care of their fighters. My little brother is in a wheelchair and they put him right up front when I fight. They give you a good percentage of the tickets you sell, so I make pretty good money fighting for them. They actually put me on two billboards!
Madness: What advice would you give to a young kid looking to get into the sport?
Benoit: Start young and take your time. Get your education so you always have something to fall back on. If I could do it all over again, I would’ve gone to college. Learn all aspects of the game and don’t rush into a fight. Be patient and be humble. So many kids think because they are bad asses on the streets they can come in and do well. We go easy with them and they start swinging for the fences, so we’ll tap ‘em out a few times or crack good with a body shot to put them in their place. Renzo’s trainers preach humility.
Madness: What do you know about your opponent, Noah Weisman?
Benoit: He’s just got his brown belt about five months ago. He’s never wrestled and he’s 2-0 as a pro. He comes out with a lot of head movement and changes levels, but looks like he’s going to gas early. He looks like he has good takedown defense but I’ve wrestled for over 15 years. I’d like to stand and bang with him and see what he’s got. We’ll see what happens. I think it’ll be an exciting fight.
Madness: Anyone you’d like to thank?
Benoit: Boston Brawler. They make my shorts and t-shirts for me and it costs me nothing. They sponsor all of my fights. I wrestle up at Smitty’s Barn. I have to thank all of my training partners and most of all my fiancee Sarah. She’s been awesome.
You can see John and the rest of the WCF this Friday at the Shriners Auditorium in Wilmington, MA. Head to their site for more information for what should be a great night of action. Tickets are still available
