Fighting out of Montreal, Quebec, Ivan Menjivar has put together a MMA record of 13-2-0 (with 1 no-contest). He will be putting that mark on the line when he fights Matt Serra.
Ivan Menjivar: I moved to Canada from El Salvador 10 years ago. I just recently turned 22.
Rob King: What is your martial arts background?
Ivan Menjivar: Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, boxing, muay thai and wrestling.
Rob King: How did you get started in MMA fighting?
Ivan Menjivar: Well, I started training with friends a few years back and fighting just for fun. It seemed like the next logical step. I just love to fight.
Rob King: You got a huge fight coming up at UFC 48 against UFC veteran Matt Serra. Who are you training with in preperation for this fight?
Ivan Menjivar : Like always, I am training with the guys from Tri-star Gym in Montreal, Angelo Exarhakos, Firass Zahabi and all the Tri-star fighters. My training is the same as always so I also do boxing and wrestling. That's who I'm training with. As for who I'm training for, I am training for myself.
Rob King: What are your thoughts on Matt Serra?
Ivan Menjivar : Like all opponents I respect him. That is all I will say.
Rob King: How are you going to approach this fight?
Ivan Menjivar : My approach is to enjoy myself. I just want to have fun, travel with friends, and fight. That is my idea of a nice vacation. Hotel, food, the pool, fighting...that is the life!
Rob King: What does it mean to you to get a shot in the UFC?
Ivan Menjivar : It is definitely cool, but I try to approach it like I would any other fight. I am doing what I like and that is fighting. The important thing is to just make the most of it and appreciate the moment.
Rob King: Now you were originally scheduled to fight Matt at UFC 46 as a replacement for Gerald Strebendt. What happened? Some sort of visa problems, correct?
Ivan Menjivar : Yeah. Seeming it was last minute it was not possible to work out all the papers in time. However, this time around everything is taken care of and there should be no problem.
Rob King: Now most American fans will recognize your name from your fight against Vitor Ribeiro in the Absolute Fighting Championships. You took it on short notice and pushed Shaolin to the limit. What that the toughest fight of your career?
Ivan Menjivar : I would not say it was the toughest fight of my career. I do not believe in distinguishing between a tough fight and not a tough fight. No matter the opponent, training lasts 1 to 2 months, if not more. That is the hard part. If you train hard, dedicate your time, and take your beatings in training you have got the main part done. I do not dwell on the past either.
Rob King: Could you also briefly touch on your fight with Jay Palmer out in Hawaii. I have to say that is my favorite fight of yours. That slam you used to finish the fight was one of the sickest slams I have ever seen.
Ivan Menjivar : Thanks! The opportunity was there and so I took it. I had seen tapes of Palmer and thought he was really good. He’s had some super KO’s in past fights. He’s a true fighter.
Rob King: Shooto over in Japan seems to be the place for the lighter weight classes. Would you like to fight in Shooto? Have you ever been contacted about fighting over there?
Ivan Menjivar : That would be great. I am open to everything. At this point I am taking one day and one fight at a time. We will see what happens after this fight.
Rob King: What is the biggest victory in your career?
Ivan Menjivar : They all are. Every fight is special for me. I just do not like saying this win over that fighter is my biggest win.
Rob King: What does the future hold for Ivan Menjivar in terms of every day life as well as your fighting career.
Ivan Menjivar : If I take the example of Randy Couture, I still have 20 years left to fight if God is willing. Then again, there is also family and work and life is ever changing. I want to do all there is in my power to become a man I can be proud of and live a happy life and share it with the people I love.
Rob King: Thanks for taking the time to talk to us Ivan and best of luck against Matt Serra.
Ivan Menjivar : Thank you!