Dan Hornbuckle Talks NAAFS and Upcoming Northeast Ohio Seminar

After making a surprise appearance at Night of Champions last month, NAAFS.tv recently caught up rising MMA star Dan “The Handler” Hornbuckle for an exclusive interview. The welterweight star discussed a variety of topics including the NAAFS, his own career, the upcoming Comprido seminar, and more:

Q: What were your thoughts of NAAFS Night of Champions?

A: I thought it was a great show! It was very well ran and very professional. The match ups were incredible! You don’t get those level matches on the majority shows. It was some high caliber (stuff)!

Q: How has your career changed since your impressive wins over Akihiro Gono and Nick Thompson in Sengoku?

A: I definitely have more notoriety now, especially from the hardcore fans on the underground scene of MMA. I think the victories have shown a lot of people that I am more than just hype, but that I can deliver with my fighting abilities.

Q: What are the differences between competing in the United States and Japan?

A: The major difference is the crowds. In Japan, the audience is very quiet to the point where it can almost be unnerving when you first compete over there. The Japanese are a very smart audience that wants to be entertained. They understand the sport inside and out, having studied it since childhood. In the United States, the crowds are very loud and vocal. In Japan they respect MMA fighters, along with sumo and professional wrestlers, as samurais.

Q: Who do you think is the best prospect in the NAAFS?

A: I was really impressed with what I saw from Kevin Zalac at Night of Champions. AJ Aeschlimann also looked very tough as well. Plus I have to give major props to everyone I’ve had a chance to train with at Strong Style. They are all straight legit. I think Jessica Eye has a bright future in the sport and with more experience is going to give a lot of girls a run for their money. I wouldn’t mind seeing her taking on Sarah Kaufmann one day. I think they would match up well.

Q: Talk to us about competing in the upcoming seminar with Rodrigo “Comprido” Medeiros at Strong Style Mixed Martial Arts & Fitness Center.

A: I am looking forward to learning from a multiple time World Champion. To be taught by such decorated individual is a huge honor for me. I will gladly make the 7 hour drive for that experience, because it is worth the drive. I encourage everybody who is in the area to do the same as well. You won’t regret it!

Q: What do you have planned for 2010?

A: I will be competing in the Bellator Welterweight Tournament starting in early spring. I’m also looking forward to coming to the NAAFS show on February 20th.

Q: Is there anybody out there you would like to thank?

A: I’d like to thank everybody at Strong Style and Mr. John P. Lennon

You can train alongside Dan “The Handler” Hornbuckle at the 2nd Rodrigo “Comprido” Medeiros Seminar on February 6th, 2010 at Strong Style Mixed Martial Arts & Fitness Center in Independence, OH. Comprido is a 7 time World Champion and one of the most decorated Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belts in the world. He also serves as the BJJ instructor for current UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar and now he is coming to the Northeast Ohio area for this special engagement.

The seminars will take place on Saturday February 6th, 2010 from 12pm-3pm with the first half for GI competitors and the second half for No GI and MMA competitors. Prices range from $65 for one seminar or $80 for both seminars. In attendance along Mr. Medeiros will be Sengoku competitor and rising star Dan Hornbuckle, Pan Am World Champion Pablo Castro, current NAAFS Pro Series Welterweight Champion & 5 time UFC veteran Forrest “The Meat Cleaver” Petz, current NAAFS Pro Series Middleweight Champion Chris “The Assassin” Lozano, current interim Pro Series Lightweight Champion Frank “The Tank” Caraballo, UFC veteran Jeff “The Grinder” Cox, and many more top competitors.

For more information, please contact Pablo A. Castro at 216. 870.4904 or 216.520.0271. Strong Style Mixed Martial Arts & Fitness Center is located at 6900 Granger Rd in Independence, OH. For more information, log onto www.StrongStyle.com or call 216.520.0271.