RISE Podcast - Episode 1

Editorial by Humble Greco

RISE Podcast - Episode 1

Humble: “Hello and welcome to the very first edition of the RISE podcast. Our very first guests for our pilot episode will be RISE Champions Henry Aron and Mario Farina. Joining me first today is the current RISE Light Heavyweight Champion and #3 RISE P4P, Henry Aron. Henry is currently undefeated with 8 victories to his name, all of them ending with a finish, and is tied for the most wins and fights for RISE, along with Wes Ray. He recently defended his belt at RISE 18, where he finished his opponent, Melvin Comeau, at the very end of the first round by TKO.

Thanks for taking the time to talk with me today, Henry. How are you feeling?”

Henry Aron: "Bien, Good, very good today.  I want to thank you for the nice introduction for me and the other fighters that you mentioned.  It is only 3 days from my last fight, so I expect some soreness most of this week, but overall I am feeling great for where I am at right now.”

Humble: “That’s great. You put on an exciting show in that recent bout that i’m sure the fans won’t forget. One takedown was all it took, and it was pretty much over from there. You now have 5 wins ending in the first round, your other 3 coming from the third round, which means you are yet to enter the “championship rounds” in your professional career. How do you think you would do in those late rounds? Do you think you are conditioned enough in case that is to happen?”

Henry Aron: “Yes, Of course.  I work very hard in the gym and the training recovery room to make sure that I am ready for all situations.  My management and coaches keep me highly tuned and I know that long fight means more recovery time and less gym time.  I like my gym time, it allows me to be myself and get better at my job, so while I am ready to go for 5 rounds, that is not what I am going for on fight night.”

Humble: “What would you say separates you from the rest of the light heavyweight division?”

Henry Aron: “I think there are many things.  Mostly, the support from my fight team, coaches, manager, and friends,  and on fight night the fans just make me want to give them the best show that I can.  I win for them.”

Humble: “When you have a fight coming up, do you usually stick to a strict diet plan?”

Henry Aron: “It is a good question and I handle it more different than some other fighters.  Since day 1 I have a strict diet for this life. I do have a diet plan for every day whether I am training or fighting., and my weight is always where it needs to be since about 1 year ago when I reached my target fighting weight.  We joke that I can always know how much change I have in my pocket, by looking at my weight on the scale.”

Humble: “Rising stars Daniel Orndorf and Jean Luc Phaneuf are both edging towards a possible shot at your title soon, and they'll be battling it out at RISE 20. Will you be keeping an eye on how that fight goes?”

Henry Aron: “Oh yes, I will be very interested at who will be fighting with me next.  I’ve known Daniel for a little bit of time, he fought the night I won the belt.  I believe he did very well that night also. Jean Luc I know a little less time, but I study these guys, other fighters too, there are some good names at this weight and I know Melvin will be after another shot at some point.”

Humble: “What would you say your biggest strengths are? And what do you think you need to improve upon the most?”

Henry Aron:  “I hear that I am slow, and that has a bad sound.  I like to be more steady and a little less reckless.  If you go too fast it can be reckless, and will not always end in a good result.  I work everyday to be quicker, but I do not want to be so fast and reckless to put myself in a bad situation.”

Humble: "Great answer. We are now at the midway point of the podcast, so we will be switching over to our next guest. It was great having you on the show, Aron. We'll be right back after this commercial break."

The screen fades to black and a brief advertisement for RISE Gambling begins to play

“Odds for RISE 19 are now up! Come in and bet on your favorite fighters!”

After the advertisement, Mario Farina is seen on screen sitting across from Humble, where Henry Aron was previously sat.

Humble: “Welcome back everyone. I am now joined by the current Heavyweight Champion and #4 RISE P4P, Mario Farina. Mario is undefeated with 4 victories so far, all coming from (T)KOs, and is tied for the most KO wins at RISE. At RISE 18, he became the new heavyweight champion after knocking out former champ, Bennie Benson, in the 5th round. Now Mario, what was going on in your head when you heard those words, "And New" just a couple nights ago?”

Mario Farina: “Claiming the champion's belt is the prize for years and years of hard training, not something you can achieve by luck or shit like this. I have a perfect team at my back, and we have worked hard for this achievement, so i wasn't surprised for my win, the belt was mine even before i stepped on the mat.”

Humble: “Your fight with Benson was your first fight past the first round, which might have had some of the fans worried and uncertain on if you would be able to handle those deep waters. Though, you seemed to handle it pretty well and get the finish you deserved. Did you expect the fight to last that long?”

Mario Farina: “I have to admit that i have been more prudent this time and i've taken more time for study my opponent. But my fans know well that i don't leave any fight in the hands of the judges, i'll keep the show up and the chin of my opponents down.”

Humble: “I like it. It was certainly a joy to watch. Now, out of the whole heavyweight division, who would want to fight the most?”

Mario Farina: “I've seen that Tommy Tank is doing well so far, i would like to give him his first loss.”

Humble: “That would be a fun fight to watch, that's for sure. Now, what supplements are you currently taking, and would you recommend it to other fighters?”

Mario Farina: “I've found a good brand where i train in London, it's called Sully's Bar and Grill, very high quality if you ask me.”

Humble: “I've heard of them. Very good stuff over there. So, what would you say you prefer the most, taking the fight to the ground or staying on the feet?”

Mario Farina: “I tend to keep the fight on the feet, but I like to mix things up when i can.”

Humble: “Your training partner, Alessio Bianchi, is fighting to become the first ever Featherweight Champion for RISE as he takes on the undefeated Tim Slater. How do you think he'll do in that bout?”

Mario Farina: “Alessio is really a tough guy, both in life and in the cage. I know he is really looking forward for his fight just like our manager do. Anyway we are going to see a ground game with some great wrestling skills, since both Bianchi and Slater will aim to take the fight there.”

Humble: “I sure do wish both of them the best of luck in that bout. They wouldn't be the first 19 year old to win a belt at RISE, however, as you are only 19 yourself and already champ. Did you expect to have this much success at so young?”

Mario Farina: “Yes i expected this. I'm young but i've worked several years, apparently more than the older fighters did, the belt always goes to the best without looking for things like age.”

Humble: “You've got a long road ahead of you, but of course your career will come to an end at some point. What do you say you'd want to be remembered for at the end of your career?”

Mario Farina: “I always live in the present with few questions about the future...  but maybe i would like to be remembered as the champion who spared no effort in the cage and never gave up.”

Humble: “That’s a great mentality to have, and you seem to be on track of being remembered that way already..oh it looks like we are actually out of time, but thank you for being here and answering some of my questions. It was great having you.”

Mario Farina: “Yep. Thank you”

Humble and Mario are seen talking casually as the screen fades to black, and the pilot episode ends.

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