The MMA scene "down under" has always been a hidden gem, but Sydney's own Rob Hill is one man trying to bring the scene worldwide.
Set to fight this coming Ocobter 30 in Macau, China at the Legend FC 6 card, Rob took some time out to speak with me about MMA fighting, training, the Aussie scene, and of course, what his addictions are.
JZ - First off, thanks for taking the time to speak with me. For the fans that don’t know Rob Hill, can you tell us a bit about yourself?
RH – My name is Rob Hill and I am 26 years old. I fight out of Sydney, Australia and have a MMA record, 9-5-1, along with my purple belt in BJJ under Anthony Lange.
JZ - Now you are set to fight this coming October in Macau, China at Legend FC 6. Can you tell us what you know about your opponent and what you are doing in preparation for this match?
RH - My opponent is Song Un Sik, a Korean. I don't really know too much about him. I've had a look at his record, and have seen that he has submissions, knockouts and a few decisions as his methods of winning. He's reportedly a counter fighter and reacts well under pressure. It should make for an interesting match. I've been spending my time working on a few things here, polishing my game and my style of fighting to better match my game plan for my fights, something which I haven't been doing enough of late.
JZ - Looking over your MMA record, you have had fights all over the world. Is there one location you have fought at, or one promotion you fought for, that you have really enjoyed or embraced the chance to be a part of?
RH - I've had the pleasure and the opportunity to compete in a few different countries now. I'm very grateful for what I've done, and I can't say that there are any promotions I would speak of negatively. I have had great success working with the CFC here in Australia, and Legend has always been amongst the most professional of organizations. It is always a pleasure working with them.
JZ - As an "Aussie" fighter, can you let us know how the MMA scene in Australia is coming along? Most people know of Hector Lombard and George Sotiropoulos as "Aussie" fighters, but there has to be more than two in the whole country.
RH - The MMA industry in this country is slowly but surely coming along. We're producing a higher level of athlete than ever before and our training is constantly improving. Most Aussie fighters travel to train, as sometimes we just don't have the sheer numbers available to us of skilled competitors, but this is something that is improving every year. You're going to see a boom of Australian fighters coming through the ranks in the next few years, as more and more dedicate themselves to being able to compete internationally.
JZ - I’m not sure if this is still the case, but you train at Finney’s HIT Squad, a camp made famous by Matt Hughes. How is it to be involved with that camp, and if you have moved on, can you give us details on where you are now?
RH - I spent 6 months over there earlier this year. I was there when the changeover occurred; the period of time when Jesse Finney actually acquired the gym from its' previous owners. I had the opportunity to wrestle with Hughes on many occasions, and it really was a great experience that pushed me to being a better fighter and athlete. Now, I'm back at home in Sydney, Australia, spending time with my wife and working towards my next fight. Here, I train with Anthony Lange of Langes' MMA in North Manly. Anthony has been my coach for many years. My coach in the US, Marc Fiore, has just opened his own facility in Springfield, Illinois. He was running a great deal of the practices at the HIT Squad, and has now moved into his own facility.
JZ - Is there anyone you would like to take the time out to say thank you, hell, or whatever you wish, too now?
RH - The first person I would like to thank is my wife (to be) Melissa (thanks for putting up with my crap!), my family, all my training partners and friends at Langes' MMA, Anthony Lange, Brett Atchley of Addison Sports Management and Media for setting this interview up, and everyone else who is part of the group of people that help me work towards my dreams! You know who you are and Thank YOU!
JZ - And finally, because we are AddictedMMA, what is Rob Hill addicted too?
RH - If I had to pick something I was addicted to, it would probably start with 'M'. It could be music (my guitar), MMA (my sport) or Mel (my wife). Take your pick (and by that I mean pick my wife!).
AddictedMMA would like to wish Rob Hill the best of luck this October, and in his future as well.
Written by: Jasyn Zingari
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