Recently, we interviewed Jimmy Vo about what led him to mixed martial arts and how he became an amateur MMA fighter. Chris was nice enough to answer our questions.
 

What is your current record? Any fights coming up soon?
I’m currently 0-1. I don’t have any fights coming up since I just started my grad studies at BU for Computer Information Systems. I also work full time so I don’t have the time required to prepare for a fight.

Mixed Martial Arts is clearly not for everyone. At what point in your life did you realize you wanted to become a competitive Mixed Martial Artist?
I began MMA training because I wanted to get into shape and wanted to learn how to fight. I trained for three years and realize that I wanted to test and challenge myself so I decided to step into the cage. How many people can tell their grandchildren they fought in a cage?

Have there been any challenges in your life that you’ve had to overcome in order to get where you are today? If so, how did you overcome them?
Growing up I had no athletic ability, I was terrible at sports and suffered from asthma. I train hard and I’m able to at least hold my own.

Is there a current MMA star you like to pattern yourself after?
It’s not the MMA stars but the guys I train with bleed and sweat on the mats with me.

Where do you train? Care to make a shout out to any of your instructors or training partners?
I train out of Militech Fight Systems Atlantic City under Cardo Urso.

Has your fighting style evolved since you began training or have you stuck with a specific style throughout?
I strictly started my MMA journey with another school where I learned Muay Thai and BJJ. Since then, I learned a bit of Judo from a judo club at my undergrad college. Under Cardo Urso I’ve learned some sambo. If it can hurt people, I’m willing to learn it.

Is there any particular training you spend more time on? Cardio? Strength training?
I spend all of my time recently on technique training. Cardio and strength training occur when I’m preparing for a fight.

The mental aspects of MMA training are often overlooked. What you do to prepare mentally?
For my first and only fight I just anxiously waited for my fight. No ritual and sacrificing of animals before I fought.

Is there anyone you would like to thank for helping you get to where you are?
I’m thankful for a great team of guys I train with at Militech and instructor Cardo Urso. I want thank all of the homies on Twitter who encouraged me and supported me before my last fight.

What advice would you give to other people looking to get into MMA, or any competitive sport, for that matter?
Don’t train MMA because you want to tell everyone you’re a cage fighter. Do it because you respect martial arts and have a good time doing it. If you don’t have dedication and heart, MMA isn’t for you.