A Clash of Styles: Rick Hawn discusses his upcoming bout with Braulio Estima

Written by Ted Giantini

2004 Olympian Rick Hawn is set to square off with 2009 ADCC champ Braulio Estima at Shine III: Worlds Collide in Fayetteville , NC on May 15, 2010.  MATCS had a chance to discuss Hawn’s upcoming clash.

Hawn made the leap to MMA over a year and half ago.  He says he is picking up the grappling part quickly, but like every great fighter he is continuing his quest to learn it all.

Hawn has mustered up six wins in the short year and a half he's been fighting. Four of those wins have come from TKO/KO, which may be unexpected coming from a world class judo player such as Hawn.

“So far, it’s hard to compare [my judo days to MMA]," Hawn said. "But [MMA opponents] have been like national level [judo] players."

His fight against Estima will definitely be, as Hawn calls it, “a step up”.

Hawn has recently decided to quit his job to devote all of his time and effort to train  "full time” for his bout.  He wants to be in the best shape of his life.

As with most stylists with a Judo background, how Hawn's style matches with an opponent known for his Jiu Jitsu skills has been a point of interest leading up to the bout.

“It will definitely come down to styles," Hawn said. "I know Braulio wants to take the match to ground.”

Hawn added that he is training in all aspects of the game but is working his ground skills, takedowns, and takedown defense a bit more.

Making the bout entertaining has also been among Hawn's concerns.

“Of course I want to win," Hawn said. "But I want to give the crowd something to enjoy.”

This clash for Hawn does not have him scared.  Knowing who he is facing and knowing Estima’s background just makes him “…train harder. In all aspects of his training."

http://mat.uscombatsports.com/news/mid-atlantic/interviews/a-clash-of-styles-rick-hawn-discusses-his-upcoming-clash.html