TONY “THE JEDI” ROSSINI

Can you tell us a little bit about your preparation for this title fight?
The preparation of this fight is like any other… the whole IMMA (Integrated Mixed-Martial Arts) team is behind it with fantastic support from head coach, Dan Higgins, striking coach, Steve Compton, and team captain, Adrian Pang.  The team’s training is always SMART and HARD.  And more momentum has been building as team mates Rob 'The Hillbilly' Giuffrida and Nate 'Bullrush' Thompson have also been added to the card.

Your opponent Ian Bone is a well-recognised fighter at 77kgs in Australia.  What are your thoughts on him and his fighting style?
I did what research I could on my opponent.  He sounds like a nice family man. He has wins with both strikes and submissions so I am looking forward to a challenging match.  I'm sure we will bring the best out of each other and our skills.

You recently fought on Legends FC in Hong Kong and won via first round armbar.  How have you grown from that performance?
It was an amazing experience to fight overseas.  It helped me grow by confirming a few things in how I mentally prepare for a fight.  It also helped me with accepting each second of the fight and taking advantage of what that second holds, and although I got reversed from mount, an armbar became available to me.

If you were to win the RIZE title, what would be next for The Jedi?
Head IMMA coach, Dan Higgins, manager, Tony Green, and Adrian Pang have always decided what is best and next for me in my training and fighting opportunities.  They will continue to do so after this fight.

Do you have any advice for fighters starting out in the sport?
Surround yourself with the type of people that will help you reach your goals... both inside and outside of the gym.

Finally, a non-MMA related one; if you were on a desert island and had to pick one song you could listen to whenever you want for the rest of your life; what would it be?
THIS IS THE... sooooooooooong thaaaaaaat neeeeeeeeeever eeeeeeeeends, it just goes on and on my friend, some people, staaaaaaaaaaaarted singing it, not knowing what it was, and they continued singing it forever just because, this is the song that neeeeeeeever ends…


Tony Rossini and Integrated MMA would like to thank major sponsors FAIRTEX and TAPOUT AUSTRALIA as well as team sponsors ASN, MMA SPORTS MAG and ALL TYPE CABINETS for their ongoing support.

IAN “THE HITMAN” BONE

Interview

Can you tell us a little bit about your preparation for this title-fight?
Sure… lots of violent boxing, kickboxing and wrestling.

Your opponent Tony Rossini is somewhat of an up-and-comer in the Welterweight division, what are your thoughts on him and his fighting style?
I'm sure Tony will be well prepared and ready to fight.  I'm expecting him to come out firing.

You recently fought on Martial Combat 3 in Singapore, has this international experience helped you grow personally as a fighter?
Every fight helps you grow as a fighter, every time I prepare a little differently.  Hopefully by the time I have 30-40 fights under my belt I'll be close to full bottle. ;)

If you were to win the RIZE title, what would be next for The Hitman?
More international fights and training trips. Keep seeking out more knowledge, keep evolving.

Do you have any advice for fighters starting out in the sport?
TRAIN, EAT, SLEEP MMA.  Then train some more.  All whilst wearing some cool HITMAN threads!

Finally, a non-MMA related one; if you were on a desert island and had to pick one song to listen to for the rest of your life; what would it be?
I would prefer silence to the song that never ends thanks.

Ian would like to thank all his friends, supporters, training partners and sponsors Sinister Store, Australian Sports Nutrition and Hitman Fight Gear!