BJ Ferguson will face Jeremy Pender in the main event of this weekend's Hardrock MMA event.

In the midst of all of the hype for this weekend’s UFC 109 event, all of you Pro MMA Now readers and MMA fans need to remember there are some great regional shows going down including Hardrock MMA’s Night of Champions 2. This weekend’s show, taking place in Shepherdsville, KY, will feature a stacked fight card with eighteen fights and a main event between two 135 pro standouts, BJ Ferguson and Jeremy Pender. I had some time to catch up with both Ferguson and Pender before this weekend’s event and conduct some brief interviews via email. Take some time to learn a little bit more about both these guys, and if you’re in the area make sure to catch the fight. It’s going to be a banger.

At 28 years old, Ferguson holds a record of 6-1 as an amateur and 4-2 as a professional. Training out of All American MMA in Taylorsville, Ky, a couple of Ferguson’s teammates are guys he knows very well; his two younger brothers Josh (Taz), and Isaiah. Although Isaish is only 17, he actively trains and is an established grappler, and Josh is a standout pro fighter himself at just 21 years of age, sporting a professional record of 7-3. Here is what BJ had to say about his background and upcoming fight:

How did you get into fighting?
I have always been a fan of martial arts since childhood then I
watched the first UFC and fell in love with BJJ. About 7 years later I
saw a sign for BJJ classes and I knew that’s what I wanted to do – to be
a fighter.

What did you do before fighting?
I did and currently do masonry work with my father and my brother Taz. Fighting does not pay my bills, not yet at least.

Who are some of your favorite fighters?
I have had a few over the years, the ones that stand out are Jens Pulver and BJ Penn.

When you’re not fighting, what do you like to get into?
Hanging out with my family, walking the dogs, going to the lake in the summer, and cooking my wife dinner.

Your family are no strangers to the MMA and grappling world. What’s it’s like working with Taz and Isaiah and having guys so close to you being able to push you to be better?
It gives me a huge advantage having my brothers in there training everyday. I feel like my brother Taz is the best 135er in the region and I have to deal with him and Isaiah going after me everyday. They are the future, I’m happy just to hang in there with them.

Who are you training with for the fight?
My brothers and the rest of our team, also my boxing coach Robby Stewart

Is there anything in particular you’re working on for this fight?
Not really, I have brought in a few taller guys to spar and get the feel of his reach but all in all just trying to do what I do as best I can.

What do you think of your opponent?
I have seen him fight and I have heard good things about him. He looks like a pro fighter – well rounded, dangerous standing and on the ground.

What do you have planned for your long-term fighting career?
Just do what I can. I am going to fight till I’m too old or can’t, then I will teach bjj and mma to my students.

Thanks for taking the time to answer some questions, BJ, is there anyone you’d like to thank or give a shout out to?
I would like to thank God, my mom and dad for being there for us, my team mates at All American MMA, my wife for dealing with my lifestyle, and all of my family and fans.

For more on BJ, check out his MySpace page. For more on this weekend’s event and to purchase tickets, head over to Hardrock MMA’s website.

By: Brian Furby

Leave a Reply