MMA Recap

Recapping With Jimmy Seipel - War Is Not Nice

by Brent Todd - 02-02-2010

Jimmy Seipel may not be a name just yet, but he is looking to prove he belongs with the best of them.  On February 5, Seipel steps into the cage against Chase Hackett for the Victory Fighting Championship lightweight title.  MMA Recap's Brent Todd caught up with Seipel to get his thoughts on training and his title fight.

Seipel doesn't have a inspirational story as to how he got into fighting.  It just was something that was around him.  As he explains in his own words, "Fighting is something I have done all my life.  I guess you could say I come from the wrong side of the tracks.  As far as how I got into MMA, I was in a crowd watching an amateur event.  A rival neighborhood tough guy called me out.  I borrowed some gear and then knocked him out.  The rest is history."

His upcoming opponent, Hacket, recently scored a victory over the lone man to beat Seipel when Seipel was an amateur.  Seipel is very honest about how that lose came about.  "Basically I just got caught.  It was an amateur fight over a year ago.  I know I was winning that fight.  My ground game has improved a lot since then.  I am 3-0 as a professional and Dober is 1-2."

As for his opponent for Friday's event, Seipel holds nothing back.  "He's a chump.  I can't say he is even on my radar and I don't know why he is getting a shot at the VFC belt.  But I am ready to fight whoever they put in front of me.  He is just another victim.  I am not creating some game plan for him.  I am making sure my skills are well rounded and that I am ready for whatever.  If he thinks he can "train" for me, he has another thing coming.  My style is so unorthodox, sometimes I don't even know what I am going to do."

The fight against Hackett wasn't the original fight that was to take place.  Seipel was originally scheduled to fight former VFC lightweight champ Joe Ellenberger.  For many, Seipel's position would be a difficult one as they both train at the same gym.  But for Seipel, it is what it is and he would welcome that challenge.  "You know it was something I would have had to do and I wanted to do it.  Even though we both rep the same gym, in order to prove that I belong at the next level, I would do it.  Let's face it, Ellenberger has been asked several times to fight in the WEC and was on everyone's list as one of the top 155 guys in the nation.  Joe is a great fighter and a person I respect a lot.  Unfortunately he had some complications and had to take a break from fighting so I will with the VFC belt and hold it down for Nebraska."

Seipel is very honest about where he sees his career going for the year.  "My goals are to fight the toughest guys we can get fights with until my management gets that phone call from Joe Silva or Rich Chou.  I'm not gonna mess around padding my record like some guys.  I want to prove right away I am worthy and be a force in the big leagues."

His manager Andy Longacre had similar things to say about the young fighter. "There's is no limit to Jimmy's potential.  I mean he has only been doing this for two years!  You should definitely watch for him in to show up in the top shows in MMA as we have been notified by key matchmakers that they are keeping tabs on his career.  I think Jimmy's career will be a legacy for any kid that was told he wasn't good enough, or couldn't do something, to realize their own potential in life.  I wouldn't be surprised if Jimmy Seipel becomes a household name within the next couple of years."

When Seipel isn't training, he his hanging out with his family and friends.  His wife and his daughter Amelya are the motivation for why he pushes himself so hard in the sport.

Seipel would like to thank the following: "DC Management who have believed in me from the start and are always there when I need them.  You won't find two more dedicated guys with great contacts.  My gym, the best place to train in Nebraska, Elite Performance home to UFC's Jake Ellenberger, Jason Brilz and Ryan Jensen who is the best training partner I could ask for.  Also World Champion Kickboxer Kurt Podany has my stand up so sharp right now!  Shout out to my friends and family and all my doubters and haters that keep me motivated each and every day.  I am sponsored by 8-ball nutrition, Disorderly Conduct Fightwear, Viking Tattoo, Shogun Engery Drink, Tommy's Tires & Custom Wheels and cardsbuyandsell.com"
 

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