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Fighter of the Month - Robby Malof
10 questions with JG MMA's Robby Malof
JG MMA) What was life like growing up?
RM) Well I guess ill let you all in on my child hood! My parents were divorced when i was only 3 months old. Growing up my sister and I went through a lot of ups and downs between our parents. Between the constant battling of Mom saying that dad was wrong and Dad saying mom was wrong. All and all i had a good childhood, but i definitely learned a lot at at a young age and this forced me to grow up quickly.
JG MMA) What brought you to fighting as a career?
RM) My aggressive and hyper attitude all throughout my childhood always led me to be an annoyance to my family! I always wanted some sort of outlet, but could never afford to join any martial art. When i got into middle school is when i was first introduced to MMA. I watched several re-runs of fights on spike tv with my sisters boyfriend Rodney. After hearing about him wanting to fight and me looking up to him, it made sense for me to give it a try. So when I was in 8th grade i decided to join the wrestling team. I was truly never a very coordinated or super athletic person. I tried every sport except football and either got bored at it, or just sucked. Wrestling my 8th grade year taught me a lot. Regardless of the skills i acquired, I learned that you had to be mentally tough to make it in such a physical sport. I remember our coach always reminding us that we had to have it mentally if we ever wanted to go anywhere in life and especially on the mat. So after having an OK year of wrestling I decided to find a school where i could further my knowledge of MMA. At this point in my life, I was watching as much UFC as possible. I became bored with just simple wrestling moves. I wanted to be able to choke people out and not just pin them. After going to Rob Radfords gym (Boxing 4 Fitness) for several months, I heard about JG MMA. I was extremely intrigued and decided to check it out. After having my mother take me to my first grappling class and having Professor Jon Stutzman toss me all over the mat, I knew this sport was for me!
JG MMA) What was you first fight like?
RM) My first MMA fight is something I will never forget. In my mind the last four years of my life lead up to that one night. I remember being in the warm up area with all the guys not knowing what to expect. I had a mix of emotions between being happy, excited and very nervous.Before i knew it, I was on deck and then my music started playing. I was in extreme shock at this point and coach Dan Dorner had to yell at me to go! So just like that i remember walking out and having such an amazing feeling. Something that nothing else could compare to. I looked around in a daze and tried my best to embrace the moment. Once the ref told us to go all the nerves I had turned into confidence and made me focus. After beating him up on the feet a bit, i took him down into my world and dominated him on the ground. I remember getting up after that first round and feeling exhausted. My adrenaline dump was huge! I remember thinking to myself going out into the second round that i had to finish him quick. So I went out and took him down quickly. I finished him via arm-bar a minute into the first round and secured my first victory! When he tapped and the ref told me to stop, it felt like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders! Once my hand was raised the feeling was extraordinary! I couldn't describe the emotions that I had. It was unbelievable! There definitely isn't anything like the first time you fight and get your hand raised!
JG MMA) What's your last thought before entering the cage?
RM) Right before I step in the cage, I am super confident. I know that I put in all the hard work and I remind myself that it is my time to shine. I also ask God to keep me safe inside the cage and just to give me the ability to perform at my best!
JG MMA) If you could fight anyone (fighter, public figure, celebrity, historical figure) who would it be?
RM) Honestly it would probably be Todd Garritano.
JG MMA) What brought you to JG MMA?
RM) I came to JG's Because I wanted to learn from some of the best coaches around. I also wanted to expand my knowledge of MMA and not just train in boxing.
JG MMA) What does your family think of you being a fighter?
RM) It's taken them some time to accept and embrace it, but finally they do. My mother still freaks out every time I fight though.
JG MMA) What's the hardest thing about being a fighter, to you?
RM) Really just like anything in life you have to dedicate yourself to it if you want to be good at it. Honestly, being a fighter is not that hard, because i love it. I guess just the amount of time it consumes can become a hassle. But to be the best you have to have dedication and the desire to succeed or you will never make it in anything!
JG MMA) If you weren't fighting, what would you be doing?
RM) I would probably have ended up like most of the kids I went to high school with: Nobodies. I mean this in the most respectful way possible, but the truth is most of the kids I grew up with or graduated with, ended up going down the wrong path. Most are now druggies or have a child. Who knows what i would be doing now, but i probably wouldn't be in college or living the life i have now:)
JG MMA) Would you rather...
look like Lady Gaga or look like Justin Bieber?
RM) If you want to look like Lady Gaga you might be gay, so definitely Justin Bieber. That kid gets attacked by ladies and i do love the ladies:)
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