In conversation with Poolcue
Q - Austin, you are the first athlete to join our team at Azoth, how does that feel?
A – It is truly an honor and an amazing feeling to be the first sponsored athlete for Azoth. It is a rapidly fast growing brand and to me a family. I am happy to help make the brand bigger and stronger in any way I can!
Q - For those of us who don't know you, who is Austin Levine?
A - I’m a 23 year old champion MMA fighter and boxer. I want to make this a career to help provide for my family and friends. I love combat sports and will give all I can to it.
Q Are you able to give us an insight into how you started in martial arts?
A - I first started MMA to help my step brother train for his fight and to take out aggression I had built up from my rough childhood. I discovered I was damn good at fighting and trained for 3 months before my first fight. I won by submission after 23 seconds. After my firs fight I found love for the sport and now want to turn professional and make a career out of fighting.
Q - I am aware that you have a fight coming up, what's the details?
A - Yes I have my first boxing match January 20 in Wisconsin Rapids against a 1-1 opponent coming off his first loss. I look to be victorious in my debut. I am currently in talks for a heavyweight title bout, which will take place in Missouri.
Q - I am a huge Strength and Conditioning fan, does that form a big part of your training regime?
A - Conditioning is a HUGE part of MMA and boxing. People come in and spar and are tired 1 minute into the round not realizing how important cardio truly is. Running, mitts, sparring, jump rope and even riding a bike all help with conditioning in our sport. Strength also does play a role of course, lifting, tire flips, core workouts help with strength even during difficult weigh cuts.
Q - What are your goals for MMA?
A – I have a very clear goal, I want to turn professional and make MMA / boxing my career. I want to make big money doing this and make it to the top of the sport. In turn, I will provide for my family and friends that have been there throughout my career and help my sponsors thrive
Q - Who or what has been your biggest MMA influence?
A - My biggest influence would have to be my friends, family, and my sponsor that have been there for me, and wanting to provide for them. Of course there are Pro MMA fighters that I love watching like Conor McGregor, Tito Ortiz, Brock Lesnar, and Tim Kennedy.
Q - Do you have anyone you want to thank for your journey so far?
A - Definitely! I’d like to thank my wife Molly for helping push me and all my teammates that help make me better at Beast MMA and community boxing club. Also I’d like to thank my amazing sponsors AZOTH, and Prady for helping me grow and believing in me. I would not be where I am today with the support of my team!
Q - Finally, what piece of advice would you give to people who are looking to start MMA?
A – Firstly, it won’t be easy this sport will push you physically and especially mentally! It will break you down and you need to be strong and patient. You will have your high and low points…. When you hit that low point you need to work harder then you’ve ever worked before to become better and be the best you that you can be! Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you don’t belong in this sport or that you won’t be good because you will make it as far as you want to if you work your ass off and GET SH*T done.
Thank you Pete for this opportunity I appreciate it!
Austin Levine was in conversation with Pete Thompson (Senior Writer) Azoth LLC Poolcue)