By Monta Wiley
Forging his fight career in 2007, Minnesota Martial Arts prospect Jacob “Christmas” Volkman has always been a figure never afraid of pushing the envelope in and out of the cage. Demolishing the opposition to accumulate a five fight winning streak, it is no debate of Volkman’s qualifications that make him a serious threat in the lightweight division.
In addition to his great assets as a fighter, Volkman also expresses a deep passion for the improvements that are needed in this country. Making his thoughts felt in his last two post fight interviews about the U.S President’s policy making procedures, Jacob Volkman is one that not only looks to deliver powerful statements in the octagon but also bring about awareness of what is going on in the world.
Fight Hub TV got the opportunity to speak with the former NCAA All American as he shares with viewers his journey to the UFC and on defects that exist in this country.
FHTV: For fans who haven’t seen you fight or are relatively new to you. How would you describe Jacob Volkman the fighter?
Jacob Volkman: I would say I am conservative on the feet, but am working to open up. My strength is my take downs and ground control. It pays the bills. I love competing and hate losing. I get paid to work out. Life’s great.
FHTV: Starting your fight career in regional circuits, how do you feel your overall experience has contributed to your ability to compete with the elite competition in the UFC?
Jacob Volkman: I was an elite Division I wrestler with the best wrestling team in the Nation. That should say enough. I learned a good routine at the University of Minnesota.
FHTV: How would you compare fighting at a small promotion like Max Fight to the overall atmosphere and expectations the UFC brings?
Jacob Volkman: It’s like going from high school wrestling to Division I college wrestling. More workouts a week, more focus on individual detail.
FHTV: Starting your UFC venture with two straight losses you made a great comeback with five straight wins. How were your able to motivate yourself, to turn your situation around after the two losses?
Jacob Volkman: I have a family to fend for. That should be enough alone. I also have experience at the highest level in wrestling, so I just had to mimic that. My two loses opened my eyes to how much work I needed to do to succeed.
FHTV: How important is it for Jacob Volkkman to build his brand and separate himself from the fighters in his division?
Jacob Volkman: I’m doing my best. It is very important. Too bad some of my interviews only took the juicy quotes and left out the whole story, making me sound uneducated which is not the case.
FHTV: Speaking of separating yourself, in your last two fights you been very vocal about your political views about what’s going on in this country. Being a fighter in the UFC how important is it for you to get your views out on a wide stage?
Jacob Volkman: Not so much as a fighter, just as an American who actually understands certain policies. I have always been taught if you have a chance to make a difference for the better you do what you can. In my case, I feel Obama is not educated enough in some of the policies he has supported and am trying to get him to fix them. I don’t see that happening though. I don’t think he feels that anything he does is wrong.
FHTV: How would you describe how have these political decisions affected you?
Jacob Volkman: It got me a lot of recognition, but most people don’t see the whole picture making me sound foolish.
FHTV: Finally if Jacob Volkman were president how would you correct the flaws that exist in this country?
Jacob Volkman: More stern and make the people that feel everyone else should take care of them to go get a job. I would have the people in which my policies affect have a say in how they are written.
FHTV: Well that wraps things up thank you for your time Jacob. Would you like to thank anyone?
Jacob Volkman: The Academy, Heatwave, Headrush, Athens Bow, SEG, National Guard, Volkmann Chiropractic, and of course White Bear Lake MN.
