MMA’s Full 38’ 1.23.08: Little Lauzon talks Blood Sport and Blood Lines
Posted by Sid Needelman on 01.23.2008
Joe Lauzon, the fighter who rained on “Lil Evil" Pulver’s comeback parade has a little brother who also has a promising career in front of him. Currently in his way is Andrew Montanez, and he is ready for a battle at Wild Bill’s this Friday in Atlanta.
This Friday night at Wild Bill's in Atlanta, the little brother of Joe Lauzon headlines the card. Dan Lauzon will take on a tough opponent against a man who is 2-0 in the Metro Georgia area. His opponent is Andrew Montanez, a two time Strike Force vet and is riding a four fight win streak.
I was able to catch up with both fighters this week to hear what they had to say about the inevitable war. First with Dan Lauzon:
411Mania: What was your last fight and what fight do you have after this weekend's? Dan Lauzon: My last fight was in Revere, M.A. back in October. I won by TKO. My next fight in Boston and is Feb. 8th.
411Mania: What do you think about Andrew as your upcoming opponent? What is his biggest threat to you? Dan Lauzon: I'm looking forward to this fight with Andrew. Two of my close friends and training partners have already beat him. One was won by submission, the other by KO. He was in an 8-man tournament in which my brother won. I have seen many fights of his and I feel I'm better in every aspect of the game. His biggest threat would be his wrestling but my wrestling is just as good.
411Mania: How do you see yourself overcoming that wrestling threat? Dan Lauzon: Not worried about overcoming it. I feel I have strong enough wrestling to take care of his. And I don't mind being on my back. Three of my victories have come from my back.
411Mania: What do you offer that will "screw with" Andrew's game plan? Dan Lauzon: I'm a different fighter than what he's use too. His last three opponents combine for a record of something like 5-16. I have more wins than his last three opponents. I can really put it on him when I want too.
411Mania: Like myself, you come from up North; Do you think Southerners are different than northerners Dan Lauzon: I don't know. Never been to GA. or really talked with anyone from down south.
411Mania: Speaking about going to new places, what are your thoughts on your brother Joe heading off to Hawaii? Dan Lauzon: He's going to Hawaii when he leaves GA. I have some business to take care of in Massachusetts until Feb. 19th. Shortly after that, I'll be out there with him helping him prepare for Kenny Florian.
411Mania: Your picks: Matt Serra or GSP, Brock or Mir, Cung Lee or Shamrock? Dan Lauzon: GSP, Mir, and Shamrock.
411Mania: What is it like having a family member in the industry? What are your thought on family in fighting? Why you and your brother different/the same as Ken and his son in the next Cage Rage or Ken and his Brother maybe next year? Dan Lauzon: It's different because me and Joe are brothers that have stuck together. Can't really compare the two. Brother's working together in MMA is always good. Just look at all the brother's that compete. Nick and Nate Diaz, Fedor and his brother, The Nog's, Matt and Nick Serra. Cole and Micah Miller to name a few.
411Mania: Thank you for your time, anyone to thank? Dan Lauzon: Well everyone who has been helping me out and go check out Slaying Angels it is my brother's new fight gear company with some great new shirts and whatnot.
And I tried to keep the conversation similar in direction with Andrew to get a good point-counterpoint feel. EXCLUSIVE 411mania pictures of Andrew's Training at the end of the interview!
411Mania: Andrew, what was your last fight and what fight do you have after this weekend's? Andrew Montanez: Mid-November at Athens Fight Night was my last fight. My next one after this, is most likely mid-April up in Canada.
411Mania: What do you think about Dan, kid brother to Joe, as your upcoming opponent? What is his biggest threat to you? Andrew Montanez: I think Dan is a very good fighter, very aggressive seems to be skilled in most aspects of the game. His biggest threat would probably be his ability to explode with strikes and be aggressive. Seemed to overwhelm his last opponents. I will wrestle him down and beat him bloody.
411Mania: [Noting Andrew is a High School Wrestling Coach] Beat him bloody? Andrew Montanez: Well, like I was thinking about those Contract Killer shorts - the company who is sponsoring me for this fight. the shorts look like they have blood splattered on them. I want to make it even more real looking.
411Mania: What do you offer that will "screw with" Dan's game plan? Andrew Montanez: I think his style is great and its meant to make a great fight, I'm going to also look to keep the pace high. I'm sure his wrestling is good, and I hope he's watching my old fights and making a game plan off of that. Just a rude awakening for him. He really seems to talk down to the way I fight. Every fighter has great confidence in their skill and ability which I think Dan and I both have. I think we both have the ability to do great things, and it should be a good fight.
411Mania: Your thoughts on Wild Bill's as a promotion, the location? Andrew Montanez: Wild Bills is a great promotion with great promoters, David Oblas does a great job as promoter. I want to try out that mechanical bull after the fight.
411Mania: How do you compare Southerners to Northerners? Andrew Montanez: Well for one, Confederate flags are in, I also met a whole bunch of Amy Lynns and Tracy Anns. The pace is a lot slower down there, nobody seems to be in a rush. Made the perfect home for my grandparents.
411Mania: Your picks: Matt Serra or GSP, Brock or Mir, Cung Lee or Shamrock? Andrew Montanez: GSP, Mir, and Frank Shamrock.
411Mania: Thank you for your time, anyone to thank? Andrew Montanez: Yes, for sure. 411Mania for taking the time to cover a fight not run by a major three letter organization, thanks to Sid Needelman who helped set me up with my new sponsor, and thanks to Contract Killer who is my new sponsor. I am very excited about the shorts, tees and I hope to get one of those cool white with light blue hats.
Well, from myself and everyone here at 411Mania, we are glad we could help support regional fights, siblings to UFC top guns, and places who support the sport and have mechanical Bulls. Doors open on Friday at 6:30, fights begin shortly after 8pm.
MMA's Full 38' ‘s Industry Notes, email me at Sidnjustice@aol.com for further info:
• There are several promotions looking for sponsors and have space on their literature, webpages, ring posts, and cage mats for your logo. It is much cheaper than you think. If you have a regional business and want a regional show, or want to support a grappling tournament, or want television exposure, I can help set you up with the proper promotion. Just email me with who you are, what your goal is, where you are located and so forth.
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And for those of you wondering what is MMA's Full 38' An octagon is 30 ft across with 4 feet extra on each side, for cornermen, doctors and camera crew. To know MMA, sometimes one needs to make sure they cover some of the lesser know aspects of it, and 38' represents a number a lot of hardcore fans would not recognize. But be warned, do not try to set up an arena without knowing how big the octagon really is, or there will be problems.
Sid Needelman
