Interview By - Robert Fain - (Kauai) MMA Hawaii Staff Reporter

MMAHAWAII: First off, tell me how you got started with martial arts.

I started martial arts at the age of 5 from my mom who i trained with. I trained in many different forms of martial arts and started training with my step dad, Michael Ng, when I was 6 and have been training hard ever since

MMAHAWAII: Kaua’i hasn't seen you fight in a while.  What have you been up to?

For the past 3 years i have been living in Denver, Colorado with my wife and 18 month old son, Weston. I have trained up here with Dave Ruiz on Jiu Jitsu, UFC reality show fighter, Big Mike Nichols and Muay Tai with Oscar Martinez and Duane Bang Lugdwig. For the most part, I have been working and spending time with my family enjoying our new house.

MMAHAWAII: How does it feel to train and fight on the mainland compared to Kaua'i?  With more competition on the mainland, does it feel like a step up?

I enjoy training and fighting with a different variety of fighters. I feel privileged to have trained with the people here because they all have something new to bring. To me, the competition here feels the same because every one of us fighters share the same goals and dreams.

MMAHAWAII: Do you feel that competition/training on the mainland has allowed you to achieve some of your goals?

I think the mainland has great opportunities for a fighter to go a long way. When I moved to Denver, I had pretty much everything I needed to go far in my fighting career. However, when my son was born a year and a half ago, he became my number one priority. Fighting and training didn't and will not stop in my life but the progress has slowed down a little.

MMAHAWAII:You have an impressive resume in kickboxing here in the islands; you have proven you can stand and trade with the best.  How are you working on your skills to compete at the same level in MMA?

Like I said before, I have had great opportunities to train with great fighters who have mastered jiu jitsu and who are legends in Muay Thai. When I train, I just try to soak up their knowledge. I have only been training Jiu Jitsu for a few years now, but I feel as though it has come natural to me just like kickboxing.

MMAHAWAII: Do you think there is any added pressure to win each time you fight in front of your home crowd, and does it add to your advantage?

Fighting in front of my home town does add to the pressure. Yes, i would love to have to win but win or lose, it doesn't matter as long and I fought with everything I had. I think fighting in my home town gives me more of an edge to be in that ring. It also fuels my fire when Friends, family and fans are so supportive.

MMAHAWAII:Anything else you'd like to add?

I would like to dedicate this fight to all of the beautiful people on Kauai especially my grandmother, Dora. I would like to thank my sponsors and the people to who helped to make it this far. See you soon Kauai! Be ready for the fight of the night.

MMAHAWAII: Mahalos for the interview and good luck come January 23rd.  Kaua'i looks forward to seeing you showcase your talents.