Luke “the Jedi” Jumeau is an exciting young fighter making his Professional debut at ICNZ 10, May 1st 2010.
After exploding onto the ICNZ roster with impressive A-Class wins over Andrew Craven and Brad Hendra, Luke is ready to take the step up to fighting Pro-Class rules.
Luke is scheduled to take on the team mate of his last victim, in Peter Parata of Lockdown MMA, in what will be an electric main event for the Palmerston North crowd at ICNZ 10.
In his build up to this fight Luke has taken a few moments out to answer a few questions for ICNZ fans
1) Can you tell us where you train and how long you’ve trained there?
I train at Incorporated Martial Arts and have been training there for six years.
2) Have you trained any other Martial Arts?
The training at I.M.A is Taikwondo based with Muay Thai and Brazilian Jujitsu
3) Have you competed successfully at any other sports?
I played rugby and other sports that I was good at but never took them seriously
4)You are coming into your first Pro-Class match at ICNZ 10, has that changed your outlook and preparation at all?
Not really, every fight I am faced with I will take seriously as it puts me one step up the ladder.
5) This will be your third appearance on the ICNZ roster, what keeps bringing you back?
Definitely the team at ICNZ. The events are always well organized.
6) What are your goals for 2010, 2011 on the MMA scene?
Right now my goal is to win my next fight and every fight as they come. I have also got my sights on the ICNZ Super Welterweight title.
7) How do you envision the sport developing in NZ over the next 2-3 years?
I could definitely see the UFC being hosted here as MMA is becoming more and more popular in New Zealand.
Any predictions for ICNZ 10?
No predictions, just quiet confidence.
9) Anyone you would like to thank?
I would like to thank my trainers Steve, Reed and Craig for all their hard work also my training partners for all their blood, sweat and tears. Lastly my family and friends for all their love and support.
This week we take a closer look at Lewis Rigney.
Fight Name
Lewis Rigney
Age
24
Where do you train?
Carnage MMA, Counties Hunua Wrestling Club, Kiaido Ryu Martial Arts Hunua and a whole bunch of time in my garage
How long have you trained for, and what styles have you trained in?
I’ve been an olympic wrestler almost 10yrs now, I do freestyle and greco-roman. I’ve been doing karate with KRMA for like 8yrs. BJJ on and off for a couple yrs and now I’m learning Muay Thai.
Who are your biggest Inspirations / Role models and why?
The great wrestlers that have made an impact on the sport, especially Randy Coutoure, Mark Coleman and Kevin Randleman. Through wrestling I’ve been lucky enough to spend a little time with some of the coaches that helped them to success. Watching those guys make the transition to MMA and kick ass make me think I can achive big in this sport too, it makes me want to reach for the next level.
What are your goals in sport and life?
I keep coming up just a little short at wretling nationals in the freestyle, I’ve placed 2nd a few times but just cant quite get the gold so thats a big one for me. Last year I got gold in Greco and a bronze in the sub grappling so I want to pull of a clean sweep in all three events, freestyle, greco and subs. I dont think anybody has done that yet, it would be awesome to be the 1st one to pull it off. Maybe one day make it to the olympics. In MMA I want just keep developing my skills and become more well rounded, I want to dominatein all aspects of the fight. A belt would be wicked. Has NZ ever had a fighter in the ufc yet?
Do you have a signature move that you like to WOW the crowds with?
I like big throws, back suplea and the like. There is nothing quite like lifting a guy high into the air so you can slam him down even harder.
What is your greatest achievement so far in your life?
Is there anyone in particular that you would like to thank or give a shout out to?
Everyone at Carnage especially Sam and Dan who are making their debuet, Counties-Hunua, KRMA and anybody who has punched, kicked, slammed, thrown, squashed, choked, or cranked on me over the years. They’ve made me who I am.
Lewis’s last MMA fight was on ICNZ 5 check out some of his previous fights below. Lewis will take on Jason Solomon from Lockdown Wellington on ICNZ 9.
This week we take a closer look at Neroni Savaiinaea
Fight Name
Neroni Mack….I dunno…it just sounds a lot better than my real last name ..Savaiinaea….no one ever says it right…
Age?
21…ish….im 21 every year…..
Are you single?
Single and ready to mingle
Where do you train?
Maai-Hyoshi (Ninjitsu-Kingsland) , Gracie Barra (BJJ- Glen Eden), YMCA Massey (bcoz of the chicks)
How long have you trained for, and what styles have you trained in?
Been doing Ninjitsu for about two years on and off due to injuries with Steve Cockell and BJJ with Steve Oliver for over a year on and off due to injuries, illness and mostly laziness.
Who are your biggest Inspirations / Role models and why?
Steve Cockell. He has helped me a lot in training and in life. There is nothing he wouldn’t do for us. Great trainer. Great role model.
What are your goals in sport and life?
Goals in sport….just to keep improving my game and stop getting hidings at training…
Goals in life…marry my one true love….Jessica Alba
Do you have a signature move that you like to WOW the crowds with?
The peoples elbow. The most electrifying move in sports entertainment
What is your greatest achievement so far in your life?
My lil man. My favourite person in the whole world. He makes life a lot more fun.
Is there anyone in particular that you would like to thank or give a shout out to?
Big thanx to everyone that has helped me train and all that have supported me…..everyone at Maai Hyoshi, Gracie Barra, YMCA, the guys that I have fought in the past Toby, Mark and Izzy….the ICNZ team for giving me the opportunity to fight….and special thanx to the one and only Mel McDonald.
note: Special Talent. Im pretty sure I invented the best milkshake ever. Vanilla Ice Cream and OJ.
Soo good….make you wanna slap your mama…
You can see Neroni in action as he takes on Reweti Pepere-Montgomery (Wellington) on ICNZ 9
This week we take a closer look at up and coming fighter Dalrae “Devastating” Robati.
Fight Name
Dalrae “Devastating” Robati
Age
23
Is there a story behind the “DEVASTATING” part of your name?
A very funny story, the short one is I trained very hard , felt devastating so I told the announcer at the time to intro me as such. he did and done it well. Hope to see him again.
Where do you train?
Faith MMA and my backyard with tight friends.
How long have you trained for, and what styles have you trained in?
I started boxing at 14 wasn’t very good lol started kickboxing with family at 19 didn’t like it haha 22 came along and I wanted to see what I could do. now I train jitz and striking generally.
Who are your biggest Inspirations / Role models and why?
Ray sefo by far, Mirko Cro Cop, too many to name off the top, just like the style in their prime, still love ray. Also Tom Nga pera and Master Waki.
What are your goals in sport and life?
To become a 5x champion , to own my own gym and have a family of my own , work in progress lol
Do you have a signature move that you like to WOW the crowds with?
triple left hook, spinning jumping round house .
What is your greatest achievement so far in your life?
Keeping my family happy, fighting for ICNZ.
Is there anyone in particular that you would like to thank or give a shout out to?
My Dad who has the biggest heart in the world and always supports me win or lose, although he’d prefer me not to lose. haha all my friends and family, my training partners and everyone who helps me!!!!
It has been rumoured that Dalrae can be seen on Legend of the Seeker and Spartacus TV Series
If you want to check out Dalrae in action come along to ICNZ 9 and see him take on Kingi Williams from East Coast BJJ
Check back soon for a closer look at some of our regular ICNZ fighters.