Thomas Kenney is an MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighter with a background in Jiu-Jitsu and Wrestling. He holds a professional record of 15-6. He has fought in events like King of The Cage, Long Beach Fight Night, and recently, Gladiator Challenge. He retired two years ago, and started teaching full-time at De La O Jiu Jitsu and the UFC Gym in Corona, California. His recent return to the sport gave him a two-fight winning streak at Gladiator Challenge. He is fighting for the Lightweight Title on March 24th, 2013.

NS: You retired a few years back. What made you come out of retirement?
TK: I was teaching a lot of classes at The UFC GYM in Corona and at DeLaO Jiu-Jitsu. I was also helping a lot of guys get ready for fights so it motivated me to train and work hard again and to compete.

NS: What are your future goals?
TK: I’d love to fight in Japan!

NS: What do you do when you’re not busy fighting?
TK: All I do is teach and train. I do this 7 days a week.

NS: How many years have you been studying jiu-jitsu?
TK: I’ve been training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for 15 years now, Its crazy to think I’ve been doing this that long!

NS: Can you tell us how you got started in the sport?
TK: I use to wrestle in high school, one day after practice we were all talking about a fight we got into over the weekend and my coach over heard us. My coach came up to me and asked me if I thought I was tough, my response was of a typical 18 year old,” Hell Yes, I’m BADASS” So my coach told me to stay in shape and he had something for me. What he had for me was my 1st Pro fight.

NS: What was your most memorable fight? Why?
TK: I’ve had many memorable fights, but my fight this past June was by far my Most memorable. The reason that it was a big deal, I hadnt fought for 2 years, my life is way different now, I was surrounded by positive people and I cut out a lot of negative people. But, most of all, I had a woman who stood by my side and supported me in everything I did. It was awesome to have that and my whole family sitting in the front rows watching me!

NS: You won your last two fights at Gladiator Challenge, can you walk us through the fights?
TK: My fight in June was good, I was able to work a little bit of stand up, then my opponent tried to take me down. I reversed it and ended the fight with a Head and Arm choke. My fight last December was okay, I made some mistakes but was able to work a big power double, and ended the fight with an Arm Lock in the 1st Round.

NS: What advice would you give to anybody new to the sport?
TK: Don’t back-stab anybody, it’s a small community and it will come back to you, also remember where you came from!

NS: Are there any Nerdy activities that you like to do?
TK: The Incredible Hulk is my favorite superhero, so I collect anything and everything that has him on it.

NS: Why the Incredible Hulk?
TK: Because we are so much alike. Big and strong and smashes everything (laughs)!

NS: Would you recommend jiu-jitsu to my fellow nerds? Why?
TK: Jiu-Jitsu is for everybody, it doesn’t matter how big and strong you are, it’s all about technique and leverage. Plus it’s like having Super Powers (laughs)!

NS: Is there anything you’d like to say to your fans and supporters?
TK: I want to Thank my Mom and Dad for their love and support. No matter what they are going through, they still support me and motivate me. I want to thank my Fiance Karina, who is the most amazing woman I know. I couldn’t do this without her. My brother, sister, Cole, John and the rest of my family for always supporting me anyway they can. All my training partners, friends and students at De La O Jiu-Jitsu, UFC GYM Corona and at Sullen Clothing for beating me up on a regular basis. Also I can’t forget my awesome sponsors NOS ENERGY DRINK, Sullen Clothing, Ring To Cage, DSO Eyewear, VC Electric, MTL Tobacco Lounge, ABG Engeneering, OTM, and FOR U NUTRITION.

NS: How can people get in touch with you if they have any questions?
TK: Either message me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or just call De La O Jiu-Jitsu (714-527-1845) or the UFC GYM (951-808-3850) in Corona.

NS: Any last words and thoughts?
TK: My next fight is on March 24th for Gladiator Challenge, and it’s for the 155lb title. I have tickets and shirts for sale, come out and support me.

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