NERDSociety recently chatted with MMA fighter and IFL champ, Jay Hieron.  Hieron is known for his powerful strikes and bringing exciting fights.  He is currently on a 5-fight winning streak.  He was supposed to fight Nick Diaz this Saturday at Strikeforce for the championship belt but Diaz wasn’t cleared by the CSAC (California State Athletic Commission) .  Now Hieron will be fighting the always game and former TUF contestant, Jesse Taylor.

NERDSociety (NS):  Jesse Taylor is the third scheduled opponent you’ll be fighting in the past couple of weeks.  How are you dealing it?

Jay Hieron (JH): It’s a bit stressful because you train specifically for one style and you have to make re-adjustments.  For example, Nick Diaz is a south paw so I trained for that.  Now I’m fighting Jesse Taylor who’ll try to take me to the ground,  totally different gameplan.  But that’s why I train 100% in all aspects of MMA, you have to be ready for everything.

NS:  What’s your take on fighters not getting licenses because they’ve tested positive for illegal substances, like Josh Barnett or Nick Diaz who didn’t even take the test because he knew he’d test positive for marijuana?

JH:  I can’t really speak for them but I hope they learn their lessons.  Since fights in the U.S. are sanctioned by athletic commissions, you have to follow their rules.  No two ways about it.

I can relate to them because I was suspended from my wrestling team back in the days for smoking weed.  It was no joke.

NS:  How did you get involved with Xtreme Couture?

JH: I was already training with them before it was officially called “Xtreme Couture”.  I helped with the gym, including stacking bricks (laughing) .

NS:  In your last fight, K-1 Veteran, Ray Sefo was in your corner, is he still training with your camp?

JH: It’s an honor to train with someone as good as Ray.  He’s a 6 time kickboxing world champion.  He brings wisdom to the striking game like no other fighter.  I’m glad I train with him.  He’s a cool friend as well, very laid back.

NS:  Who’s the toughest opponent you ever fought?

JH: GSP, no doubt.    He’s so strong and he’s still one of the best fighters of the world.  I was still coming up when I fought him but I learned a lot from it.  I’d like to fight him again one day.

NS:  Speaking of the best, who do you think is the #1 P4p fighter?

JH: Anderson Silva.  The way he destroys his opponents is impressive.  I like his style, strike first but if he gets taken down, he can also take care of himself on the ground.

NS:  Your teammate Forrest Griffin lost to Anderson Silva last Saturday, have you heard anything from him?

JH: I haven’t heard anything from him, but I’m sure he’s okay.  He’s a true warrior and he’ll be back.

NS:  Do you do any nerd related activities?

JH: I don’t know if it’s nerdy but I love movies.  My favorites are True Romance, Gladiator and Reservoir Dogs.

NS:  Any final words to your fans?

JH: Check me out on Saturday on Strikeforce.  I’m ready to go.  I apologize it’s not for the belt.  As usual, I’m excited to put on a show for the fans.  Thanks for the support!!

We’d like to thank Jay Hieron for giving us an opportunity for the interview.  We wish him the best of luck on Saturday!

Strikeforce will air on Showtime at 7:30 pm on Saturday, August 15.  You can click here for our predictions.

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