Exclusive: Brock Larson discusses inaugural ONE FC Welterweight title fight with Suzuki

Brock Larson (37-7 MMA, 1-0 ONE FC) and Nobutatsu Suzuki (10-1-2 MMA, 1-0 ONE FC) are set to square off for the inaugural ONE FC Welterweight World Title live from Stadium Negara in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia on March 14 in the headlining bout of the “ONE FC: War of Nations” event.

A veteran of both the UFC and WEC, Brock Larson, is currently riding a four fight win streak ahead of this title bout with Suzuki. Larson’s most recent effort saw him score a unanimous decision victory over dangerous striker Melvin Manhoef at the “ONE FC: Kings and Champions” event in April 2013.

Larson recently spoke with bjpenn.com’s Chris Taylor about his upcoming title bout with Suzuki:

Chris: First off, how excited are you to square off with Nobutatsu Suzuki for the inaugural ONE FC Welterweight World Title in Malaysia this March?

Brock: I’m very excited. I get to represent my country, ONE FC and fight in front of thousands of fans in Malaysia to become the first ONE FC Welterweight World Champion.

Chris: Your most recent effort saw you score a unanimous decision victory over dangerous striker Melvin Manhoef at the “ONE FC: Kings and Champions” event in April 2013. How satisfying was that victory?

Brock: It was a great statement fight, and proved that I can defeat the best fighters in the world.

Chris: The bout with Manhoef was your first on Asian soil and served as your first bout for the ONE FC promotion. How, if at all, did you have to prepare differently, in regards to your camp and travels, for fighting overseas in Asia?

Brock: I don’t think it changes anything. The key is to make sure that even while in Asia, you stick to what works and continue the same routine.

Chris: ONE FC has a couple of different rules than most MMA organizations in the US, do you feel these rules play to your advantage?

Brock: I definitely like ONE FC rules better. It allows me to be myself and not hold anything back and let everything fly! I think if you ask any fighter, they’ll tell you the same thing.

Chris: All 10 of Suzuki’s wins have come by form of KO or TKO. Is the game plan obviously to get this guy to the floor? Or do you feel comfortable standing and trading punches with your Japanese opponent?

Brock: Suzuki has great stand up but I feel with my height and reach advantage I’ll be able to knock him around a little but if I need to or the fight goes to the ground I feel I have the advantage there!

Chris: Your last fight was at middleweight but this bout is obviously at welterweight, do you feel 170lbs is where you are best suited?

Brock: Welterweight is a better weight for me mostly because my height, reach and strength is more suited for welterweight.

Chris: If you prove victorious at the ‘ONE FC: War of Nations’ event, is a bout with former Bellator champion Ben Askren an obvious next fight?

Brock: WHEN I win the belt who ever ONE FC puts in front of me will be next, whether it is ‘Bennie’ or whoever.

Chris: What should fans expect from you and Suzuki when you step in to the ONE FC cage on March 14?

Brock: On March 14 expect action everywhere on the feet and on the floor because I’m going forward and not letting off till I win the ONE FC Welterweight belt!

Chris: Any last words for your opponent, sponsors or fans?

Brock: Just let me give a special thanks to IRT a great sponsor of mine and my home team getsum athletic compound and my home away from home ATT, friends and family and of course my beautiful wife Kari and my crazy kids Blake, laurel, and Zane I’ll bring this belt back for you!!!

Chris: Thanks again and best of luck to you in your upcoming bout Brock!

Fans in Asia can catch all the action live on STAR Sports. While fans in the US and around the globe can witness the action live-streaming at www.onefc.livesport.tv. for a purchase price of just $9.99 USD.

Be sure to catch ONE FC’s first event of 2014 Penn Nation!