We conducted an interview with Chris Camozzi, who fought on The Ultimate Fighter 11 Season. He won his way into the house and was eliminated because of a broken jaw. He is now fighting again at TUF11 Season Finale, on Saturday, June 19th. He will face-off against another contestant on TUF11, James Hammortree. Here is what Chris had to say:

Question: You hold a professional MMA record of 12 wins and 3 loses. You have defeated four people via T(KO), five people via submission, and three people via decision. Which do you feel you are best at? Which is your favorite way to win?
Answer: I will take a win any way I can get it. I enjoy every aspect of MMA, whether its stand up or the ground. I always shoot to finish a fight, and I never want to win by submission. Sometimes decisions happen, and there is nothing we can do about it. If I had my choice I would win by TKO or knockout every time. Submissions are always nice, but a TKO or Knockout is a dominating win.

Question: You have had a 15 fight MMA career, so far. Which of these fights is most memorable to you and why?
Answer: I have 15 fights on my record, and the fight that doesn’t count on my record, #16, is the most memorable. My fight with Victor O’Donnell on the ‘The Ultimate Fighter 11' show is the one I will never forget. I was fighting to gain a position in ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ house, a long time dream of mine. I ended up winning, but in the process I sustained a broken jaw. I learned a lot about my self, and you will see a different, better fighter next time.

Question: At only 23 years of age, you are going to be seen on live television during the Ultimate Fighter Season 11 Finale. How excited are you for this fight? What do you predict the outcome will be?
Answer: I’m heading into The Ultimate Fighter Season 11 Finale with more energy than I have ever had. The UFC, once again, gave me an opportunity that I can’t let pass me by. I can’t wait to get in the octagon and throw bombs with Hammortree. My fight is not set to be televised, but I think it will end up making the broadcast. Its my job to make it TV worthy and thats what I plan to do. My prediction is always the same for every fight. I plan to win at any means necessary.

Question: Do you feel as if you will be able to make the transition from other MMA programs to the UFC easily?
Answer: I think transitioning to the UFC will be great. Some people get caught up in the lights and larger crowds; I thrive off of it. The bigger, the louder the crowd, the more I get into it. The way I look at it, my one fight on TUF11 was a warm up fight. Some of the guys that come right into the UFC don’t get that.

Question: You have won your last two fights via submission. Do you feel this will happen to James Hammortree, as well?
Answer: My last two fights before the show were won by submission. In the beginning of my career, I never wanted to go for submissions. I wanted to pound everyone and make them quit. I feel like I have matured a lot as a fighter and now I’m in a whole new level. I will take the win any way it comes. The last few years my submissions have gotten a lot better, and there is a good chance I can pull a submission in this fight as well.

Question: MMA is a very time-consuming sport. When you get free time what do you like to do with it?
Answer: When I’m not training or fighting, I like to just hang out with my girlfriend and my family. I’m a pretty simple, outgoing person. We have a lot of fun, and I like to travel. I live life day by day.

Question: Winning the last seven straight fights you were a part of, when do you feel we will see you in the main event, rather than an undercard?
Answer: The way I look at it, my career starts now. Past wins and past losses mean nothing. The UFC is a new chapter in my life, and I’m starting from the bottom. Right now I’m on the undercard, and I have to prove that I can put on exciting fights and hang with the best. Being the main event is a ways out. This is like any other job. Everyone has to pay their dues before they become the boss.

Question: Is there any kind of pre-fight ritual you preform?
Answer: I don’t have any pre-fight rituals, that I can think of. I’m very relaxed before fights, and I like to just hang out and joke around with my coach and my corners. I really don’t think about the fight until I’m standing in the cage. I don’t get nervous, and I just know in my head I did everything I could to prepare, and I just have to believe in myself. My favorite thing to say is “I don’t get nervous because being nerves don’t save you from getting beat up.” I just stay positive and excited all day. I really enjoy fighting so sometimes you can even catch me smiling in the ring.

Question: You are obviously devoted to all your fans out there. Why else would you be participating in this interview. Is there anything you would like to add for all your loyal fans that will read this?
Answer: I would like to thank all of my friends, family, and fans for the continued support I got after the show. I got a lot of great comments on my website, http://www.camozzimma.com, that really helped me bounce back from the injury and continue with my career. I do my best to answer everyone that writes to me so please sign up on my site. I would also really like to thank MTX Audio and Magnetic Marketing Assoc. Without them I wouldn’t be able to live out my dreams. Follow me on twitter @ChrisCamozzi. I would also like to thank my coaches and training partners at Gumm MMA, Factory X Muay Thai, and Littleton Crossfit.


And there you have it. This is truly an awesome fighter and even better of a guy. Make sure all you guys check out his website. I have been there and it’s really cool. Like he said, check out his twitter. Until next time.