Q/A with Victor Valimaki
We had a chance to ask a few questions to UFC-veteran Victor Valimaki, who is facing Holland’s Rodney Glunder in an M-1 Challenge superfight in Helsinki, Finland on the coming Wednesday. Victor is a 26-year old full-time fighter and father of two, and he comes from Edmonton, Canada. Victor’s grand parents from his father’s side moved from Finland to Canada after World War II and this is the first time Victor is stepping on the ground of his ancestors.
Q. Who is Victor Valimaki?
A. Victor Valimaki is a person who likes to challenge himself and have fun doing it.
Q. What is your combat sports background?
A. Originally started training in Japanese jiu-jitsu at age 15. I have trained in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, wrestling, Muay Thai and boxing.
Q. Why and when did you start MMA?
A. I started MMA when I was 19. I started, because I am naturally a competitive person and MMA is the perfect sport to test yourself.
Q. What makes you to like MMA?
A. I like MMA because I believe it’s the purest sport. It’s just you and your opponent in the ring and the more prepared fighter will win.
Q. What is your goal in MMA?
A. My goal in MMA is to be the best fighter I can be and become a world champion.
Q. How long do you plan to compete in MMA?
A. I plan to compete in MMA as long as my body will let me.
Q. Do you still compete in other disciplines (boxing, BJJ etc)?
A. I still compete in professional boxing.
Q. How would you describe your fighting style?
A. I would describe my fighting style as being well rounded, strong and dangerous in any position.
Q. What do you consider your best accomplishment in MMA?
A. My best accomplishment in MMA is winning the MFC belt and fighting in the UFC.
Q. Who has been your toughest opponent and why?
A. My toughest opponent is probably Vernon “Tiger” White. He was very tough and took everything I threw at him.
Q. Who is your trainer? Please, tell a little bit about him.
A. Boxing trainer – Milan Lubovik - He trains Jelena Mrdjenovich (WBC world champion).
Q. Who are your main training partners? Are they all MMA fighters or from other disciplines and if so what are their merits.
A. My main training partners are Tim Hague – King of the Cage Canadian heavyweight champion, Luke Harris – King of the Cage Canadian middleweight Champion, Ryan Ford - #1 contender for the MFC welterweight belt and Nick Penner – Canadian super-heavyweight Muay Thai champion.
Q. What do you do on your free time? What are your hobbies?
A. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my kids and relaxing at home.
Q. What do you know about the Finnish MMA scene?
A. I’ve been following the Finnish MMA scene for a little while now, and think it’s definitely one of the up and coming scenes from around the world. Fighters like Rupponen, Valtonen, Murdoch, Latomaki, and Puhakka, amongst others seem to be top level guys that can compete anywhere in the world.
Q. What do you know about M-1?
A. M-1 has been putting on quality cards all around the world and is definitely helping spread the sport of MMA and give fighters global opportunities.
Q. What do you know about Rodney Glunder?
A. Rodney Glunder is very experienced. He looks predominantly like a kickboxer, having fought many big names.
Q. How will you prepare for the Glunder fight?
A. I prepare for Rodney Glunder like any other fight. I train all aspects of fighting for every fight.
Q. Can you tell a little bit about the game plan for the Glunder fight?
A. I believe I can win this fight anywhere I choose. My gameplan would be to be aggressive and take him out of his gameplan.
Q. Do you have an idol or role model in life, sports in general or MMA?
A. I have a few role models, e.g., Arnold Schwarzenegger and Randy Couture.
Q. Is there something else you would like to mention?
A. Fighting in Finland is a dream come true for me. When I began fighting one of my goals was to fight in Finland. I would like to thank Mr. Petteri Maunu for the opportunity. This is my first time in Finland and I am very excited about this opportunity.