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  • Writer's pictureBuctown MMA

Fighter Profile + Interview: Jason Melendez



Date of Birth: September 3rd, 1994


From: Newark, New Jersey


Main Gym: Kings Combat Williamsburg


Weight Class: 155 Pounds


Record: 5-1 (4-0 Muay Thai, 1-1 MMA), BJJ Blue Belt


Favorite Food: Sushi








How did you first become interested in fighting, and what motivated you to start training as an amateur fighter?


Became interested in fighting because I was bullied in the fourth grade. Not only did I want to learn how to defend myself, but also gain confidence in myself which would pour onto all aspects of my life. I always had a fascination with fighting whether it was watching a fight on the television, or in person. In addition, the adrenaline I received from watching made me want to see how I would care in an actual fight.



Can you describe your typical training routine, and how you balance it with other aspects of your life (such as work, family, or school)?


My training routine is as follows: Wake up around 7 or 8 am, go for an hour run, a few hours later after having breakfast I’ll go do my strength/conditioning session which is roughly thirty minutes. Towards mid afternoon, I’ll go to my main gym for Muay Thai training which consists of Pad work, Bag work, take class and spar twice a week. My Muay Thai training in conjunction equals up to 3, sometimes 4 hours. Lastly, I return home to perform my recovery work consisting of foam rolling, stretching and electric stim massage. My day consist of working my actual job, training and resting; I fit my family and leisure time on my days off from both training and working.





What has been your most challenging or memorable fight so far, and what lessons did you learn from it?


My most memorable fight so far has to be my second Muay Thai fight. I won by first round knockout. Not only did I win in spectacular fashion, but it also propelled me into fully believing in myself from then onwards.





How do you mentally and physically prepare yourself for a fight? Are there any pre-fight rituals or routines that you follow?


To mentally and physically prepare myself for a fight, I truly believe it falls on your preparation and leaving no stones unturned. Not only do I physically train hard, but I also train my mind just as hard, if not more. In my opinion, the mind is the first thing to be defeated in a fight and it is imperative that I have a bulletproof mind. To do so, I perform various techniques and exercises like journaling, reading, meditation and breath work.





As an amateur fighter, what are your short-term and long-term goals, and how do you plan to achieve them in the competitive world of martial arts?


As an Amateur fighter, my short term goal is to continue gaining experience and consistently build myself up. Eventually, I am going to become a professional fighter. With that in mind, the money I make will allow me to reverse roles for my mother: instead of being the provider, she will be able to enjoy her life without the burden of having to work multiple jobs.



What is the first song that plays on your headphones during warm-up?


I normally don’t listen to music when I warm-up. On the contrary, I listen to Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan and Cory Sandhagen motivational videos to get my mind in that true competitive mindset. In my opinion, these three men have such strong minds and will to win. During my warm-up I always look to channel their mindset and carry that into the ring.




What's the first thing you plan on eating after weigh-ins?


After weigh ins I look forward to eating things that are super simple and I can eat a bunch of it-- grilled chicken, white rice, beans and tostones.


 

WAYS TO SUPPORT JASON


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