Jon Koppenhaver has been pretty snake bit when it comes to getting his break in the UFC. Originally slated to appear on season of The Ultimate Fighter, Koppenhaver was ultimately not brought onto the show because he was on probation. He barely made it this season, only being brought in as an alternate a couple of days into shooting. Koppenhaver was kind enough to speak with the day after his losing fight to Tommy Speer was aired on The Ultimate Fighter 6.
Below you will find the full mp3 audio of the interview.
Some highlights from the interview:
Jon started in MMA when he was a kid. He watched the UFC with his father. When college didn't work out (he ran out of money) he moved to San Diego and started training for Ken Shamrock. He actually lived with Shamrock for a year and a half. Then he moved and trained in Las Vegas for two years and now he's back in San Diego.
Jon was originally chosen to be on season one of The Ultimate Fighter. However, when the producers found out he was on probation so he didn't get on the first season. He thought that he was a definite for this season, and was surprised when told that he'd be an alternate.
Jon admits that the nerves got to him, considering he had to fight last. He wishes he had fought earlier in the season. He says that watching his fight was disgusting and brutal to watch. He admits that he missed some opportunities and made a bunch of mistakes in his fight.
Jon was really happy to be on Matt Serra's team. He thinks it would have been pretty miserable being on Matt Hughes team. Jon says that most of the cast will be fighting December 8 on The Ultimate Fighter finale, and he'll be one of those people fighting.
-Interview Conducted by Oscar Dahl, BuddyTV Senior Writer