With the 8-man 140lb Journey Fight Series tournament kicking off this weekend, Muay Thai Authority was lucky enough to get to chat with participant Matt Embree. He gave his thoughts on the tourney, as well as the state of Muay Thai in Canda, and a possible MMA move.
MTA: The tournament has a talented field of fighters, it is a also a random draw so you have no idea who you are fighting in the opening round until the day of the weigh-ins. Does not knowing who exactly you will be fighting affect your preparation for the tournament?
Matt: My preparation is pretty much the same as always. I train to be strong in all aspects of Muay thai, so whatever style I fight against I'll be ready.
MTA: As far as the other competitors in the tournament is there anyone you would particularly like to face in the opening round of the tournament?
Matt: It doesn't matter to me, I'm ready for whoever, but I'd like to get my rematch with Coke and beat him this time around.
MTA: You lost a close split decision to Coke last year, what went through your mind when you heard he was in the tournament?
Matt: I was excited that I have a chance at getting my rematch. I'm very competitive and I think Coke is a great fighter so I would love to battle again.
MTA: Out of the 8 man field who would you consider the favorite to win the tournament?
Matt: I think its a toss up. The way the match ups play out will have a factor because of the different styles everyone has, so we will see.
MTA: There are four U.S. representatives, and four Canadian representatives, would you rather face one of your fellow countrymen or would fight one of the American fighters first?
Matt: It doesn't matter to me who I fight.
MTA: Canada has some very talented fighters, how is the state of the sport in Canada, and how would you compare it to the United States?
Matt: The sport is growing fast. There is some problems with sanctioning and the rules just like in the states. I think the sport and the level of fighters will increase a lot once they allow full Thai rules in every province and state. If the rules are the same everywhere you fight, and every fighter has the same opportunity to fight real Muay Thai then you will see a bunch of great Thai boxers coming out of North America on the world scene.
MTA: It seems now everyone is eventually jumping ship to MMA, is MMA in your future?
Matt: I love Muay Thai, but its hard to make a decent living as a fighter here, and there is a lot more opportunity in mma to make a good living. I have thought about it. I love fighting, so I think I will make the jump, but continue to fight Muay Thai, and help bring the art of Muay Thai to the mma world.
MTA: Can you give a prediction as to the result of your first round fight, even though you have no clue who you are facing yet?
Matt: I'm going to win.
MTA: If you could pick any fighter to meet you in the finals of the tournament who would it be and why?
Matt: Doesn't matter to me. I just want a good, entertaining war and to come out on top.
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