Week one was spent training at the world famous Greg Jackson mma camp in Albuquerque New Mexico. The journey was not without some adventure when my US Airways flight had to make an emergency landing in Phoenix, AZ.
Once in Albuquerque I met up with up with training partner tom Kong Watson; it was Tom that invited me to train at Jackson’s MMA for my May 21 bout vs. john Griggs. From the start the training was phenomenal. I was staying at Damacio Page’s house. I trained with current UFC star Brian Stann for the week. Our training consisted of 5 hours of training a day. starting with bikram yoga every morning at 5am then to Jackson’s for mma practice followed by a 44pm hand/thaid pad session for 30 minutes followed by no-g i jiu-jitsu training.
It was interesting to see Greg Jackson’s protocol on his Jiu-Jitsu witch was way different than what I have learned my entire life from Master Allan Goes whereas Jackson’s Jiu-Jitsu is designed for mma , although Allan’s bjj was for mma as well, Allan Goes’ style was mostly just great from off his back in the open guard, all Jacksons Jiu-Jitsu was more modern and fits the criteria of the American judging system way better I thought in many aspects, as in scoring points for an mma fight, Allan’s bjj was better for old school Pride days where the judging system was different and the rounds were longer. Jacksons techniques I felt were designed to put you back on your feet and to sweep and get off your back which was completely opposite and contradictory to my style.
Training with big names like Tom Watson , Brian Stann, Damacio Page, Clay Guida , Tyler East , Joe Stevenson, Carlos Condit, Nate Marquardt was intense. The aforementioned fighters were acclimated to the altitude which I was not so sparring was on another level. I learned many new techniques that I had never seen before. And I really focused and emphasized my wrestling and I could say my wrestling and cardio were much improved.
I signed the contract for the May 21 fight at OC Fight Night and so did josh Griggs. Wasting no time I booked the first flight to Greg Jacksons to prepare. I was on day 5 at Jackson’s MMA when I received a a disturbing email from josh Griggs. In his email, Griggs stated he was having weight cutting issues and he could make it to 205 by our agreed fight day of May 21; furthermore, Griggs said he was concerned that he was out of shape and in no condition to fight and needed a minimum of eight weeks to prepare.
I could not think of a more unprofessional way for a fighter to conduct himself. Griggs had signed a contract days before and now did a 180° turn saying he is not in shape. Griggs went further saying he needed a few tune up fights before he fought me.
This is the second time Griggs had done this to me. We were previously scheduled to fight on another card and he Griggs backed out at the last second. I made the financial sacrifice to fly to Jackson’s MMA Gym
I will not view Josh Griggs as a quality reliable opponent. I am moving forward looking to fight at the Tachi Casino Palace. The opponent is tba and this fight is only speculative as of right now, but as soon as I sign the deal I will go back to Jackson’s MMA and commence my training camp. The guys that train there are animals, and if that isn’t enough, I plan to train in Holland for two weeks in July to acquire more striking skills. Jacksons was an awesome experience and I look forward to going back for my next at the Tachi Casino Fight Night.
To be the best you have to fight with the best and beat the best. It will be a busy summer fighting and training.
I want to thank all of you for supporting me. You’re the bedrock to my career and your support means so much.
Truly,
Nick Mercenary
