MMA 
In a three-round, non-title match at “Strikeforce at the Mansion ll” Ashe “The Archer” Bowman will fight Josh “The Punk” Thompson at the Playboy Mansion September 20th. This will be the “The Punk” Thompson’s first fight since winning a unanimous decision in June over the champion Gilbert “El Nino” Melendez. Thompson holds wins over tough fighters like Hermes Franca, Nam Phan, and Duane Dudwig. There are those who feel Bowman isn’t on the same talent and experience level as Thompson. However since competing as an Elite Fighter for “The Lion’s Den” Ashe “The Archer” Bowman has won all five fights under Ken Shamrock Production banner. With the help of the Lion’s Den trainers and sparing with world-renowned fighters like Vernon White, “The Archer” Bowman is ready for this fight. We had the opportunity to speak with Bowman while in training for the fight and this is what he had to say.
CA: It has been close to a year since your last fight, what are your future career plans?
Ashe “The Archer” Bowman: I got to make a statement. I first need to beat Josh Thompson and from there on I am not sure if I will be a free agent or signed with Strikeforce.
CA: The Lion’s Den Elite Team is a world famous elite mixed martial arts team of talented fighters. Ken Shamrock picks each member personally during the semi annual tryouts. How does it feel to be a member of the Lion’s Den Elite Team?
Ashe “The Archer” Bowman: It’s a big honor to be a member. The fact that Ken handpicked me is a huge honor. Ken has trained and worked with the best fighters like Rico Rodriguez and Vernon White. The Lion’s Den is a rich pool of talent. All members have different strategies. It has made me a better athlete and I am here to stay with the Lion’s Den.
CA: Tell us about the Lion’s Den rigorous physical fitness tests that you endured?
Ashe “The Archer” Bowman: “Brutal, oh man brutal! I think mine was an eight-hour tryout.
Four-mile run just to warm up. 500 squats & push up just for starters. Sparring with different fighters. During the tryouts you are going live and any time you can quite or Ken can say you had enough.
In the end I passed with a black eye and broken noise courtesy of Vernon White. This has been the hardest thing that I have ever done. We are still pushing great fighters out of our camp. Here we are so bring it on. We aren’t’ afraid of nobody!
CA: Were there any phases of the tryouts that you exceeded in and felt confident in?
Or any phases that you felt you needed to work on?
Ashe “The Archer” Bowman: Absolutely, better is possible, I am my own worst critic. My submissions have always been good. I needed to train really hard. You earn your bones right then and there.
CA: You had tried out for the Lion’s Den Elite Team before now becoming a member. What did it take this time around to make the team?
Ashe “The Archer” Bowman: I worked a lot harder this time around on boxing and wrestling.
CA: You are fighting a tough opponent this month on September 20th at the Playboy Mansion. What are your predictions for fight?
Ashe “The Archer” Bowman: I predict to knock him out or get him to submit.
I plan on an explosive fight and going out guns blazing !
If I get a hold its coming home with me. That is going to be my trophy !
CA: Who would you like to fight next?
Ashe “The Archer” Bowman: Honestly, there has been some comments made before, but I wouldn’t mind fighting Brazilian fighter Jorge Gurgel.
CA: Which fighter do you most admire and why?
Ashe “The Archer” Bowman: Forrest Griffin is impressing the hell out of me, he has come a long way. He is the guy with the most heart, one tough guy, I have lots of admiration for him. He is giving me a lot of inspiration, win loose or draw he is there to fight.
CA: Out of all the trainers you have worked with, who do you feel has had the biggest impact in your fighting career?
Ashe “The Archer” Bowman: Ken Shamrock, has made me who I am. He molded me. I have had the privilege of working with Coach Jason Weihe, John Troyer (Hook n Shoot Welterweight Champion). Charles Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy.
CA: How prepared are you for this fight?
Ashe “The Archer” Bowman: I am the most hungriest fighter at 155 pounds. Mentally when I fight it is till the death. I have been through hell. I have had my ass kicked every way. I am prepared for the war.
It’s going to be an explosive!
CA: Besides MMA, what other sports and or hobbies are you interested in?
Ashe “The Archer” Bowman: I love watching boxing and MMA. I am partial on both. I love fast muscle cars; my favorite is the Dodge Viper. I also love the adrenalin that comes with riding motorcycles.
CA: What famous quotes or personal quotes do you live and follow?
Ashe “The Archer” Bowman: Better is possible and good is never enough.
Do or die! There is no trying. (Bob Shamrock)
Even if you don’t believe in anything always believe in yourself. That is all that matters. I know what is at stake and I know that I am going to rise to the occasions.
CA: Whom would you like to thank?
Ashe “The Archer” Bowman: I could not do it with out everyone. If I am forgetting someone, I apologize, I get hit in the head alot.
Cryogel (best stuff in the world)
Combat sports International.
Devastation fight gear
Convicted Artist.
Triple Threat fight gear
Bear Knux fight gear
