by MMA Repz: Your Opinion on Thursday, April 14, 2011 at 5:26pm

1. For the people that don’t know you tell us a bit about yourself...

 I first started fighting in MMA professionally in 1995 for Rings Japan. Over the next 10 years I fought for organisations such as the WEF, MARS, Caged Combat, ZEST, and the UFC. I have fought fighters such as Matt Hughes, Evan Tanner, Carlos Barreta, Murilo Bustamante, Valentijn Overeem and of course Fedor Emelianenko just to name a few. I also fought in the very first Cage fight event ever to be held in Australia (Caged Combat). I still follow MMA and continue to train for the love of the sport. Outside of MMA, I’ve been busy following my passion for fitness and motivating others. I was the head of the pre-2006 Ashes team building and leadership camp, who won by a whitewash. I’ve was the athletic performance coach for the Brisbane Broncos and have been in Iraq and ran the most successful training program for the National Iraqi Police.

2. What/Who inspired you to start MMA?

 For the best part of my life I have been surrounded by the influences of Martial Arts. My father is Mark Haseman, a man who I would consider to be the most successful and committed Ju jitsu instructor in the country. He has made a lifetime career out of teaching Ju jitsu both in a traditional and Self Defence capacity.  It was this upbringing that provided me with both the inspiration and skill sets to pursue my own career in MMA. Apart from my father, there were two other influences that played a big part in directing my career - one being Maurice Marrabito, a Judo instructor who concentrated on ground work (Ne Waza), and Bill Turner, a man who I still consider today as being one of the toughest men I have ever met and wrestled.

3. Are there any fighters you look up to?

 Today I like to watch GSP, Anderson Silver and Jon (Bones) Jones. It’s different now, as when I was actively fighting I tried not to look up to any other fighter as it can be a poor position to fight from. I’m also big fan of Japanese fighters, their technique and tenacity is amazing.

4. Who are your favourite fighters?

I always liked Matt Hughes both in and out of the cage. He and I got on well and he actually came out to Australia and trained with me for a while. I have also enjoyed watching Randy Couture’s career unfold. He is the definition of a well prepared athlete and one tough MF. 

5. Who was your toughest opponent?

I don't think I could go past Fedor. I liken my fight against Fedor to trying to stop a Mack Truck with no off switch. He just kept moving forward with an unforgiving attack game.

6. Did you have any pre fight rituals or habits?

I think that like many fighters, when you have a good win and you feel good about the way you fought, you try to replicate that very same ritual on every occasion. It borders on superstition, but I found having a routine and experiencing the same emotions provides some familiarity and normality about the not so normal occasion. For me it was warming up at the same time in the same way and eating the same foods to the lead up of the fight.

7. What has MMA done for you?

MMA has provided me with an incredible journey that has seen me travel the world, meet some great people, and establish lifelong friendships. I have been to Japan over 40 times, the USA 8 times, Russia 4 times, Holland and of course England for UFC 38. Speaking of Japan, I would just like to wish all my friends from Japan the very best, as we are all thinking of you.

8. What do you like to do in your spare time?

Believe it or not I like to train and still try to get on the mat and keep my skills up. I have just set up HaMMA Arena which is a MMA event centre that caters for smaller amateur shows in Brisbane. This has taken up most of my spare time but will become the MMA Mecca centre for grass roots MMA fighters in Brisbane.

9. Do you follow any other sports?

I didn’t think there was any other sport?

10. Would you like to say anything to our fans?

Thank you for the support. I think there are some big things ahead for MMA in Australia, as a fighter and fan myself, I’m looking forward to seeing it all unfold.